John Alex
Sharon Summerall, a former American model and the wife of Eagles frontman Don Henley, has lived a life defined by quiet grace, family devotion, and strength in the face of chronic illness. From her early fashion career to her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis, Sharon’s journey has remained largely private—yet her influence within one of rock music’s most legendary families is undeniable.
| Full Name | Sharon Summerall |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1962 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 63 years old |
| Place of Birth | Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Model |
| Spouse | Don Henley (m. 1995) |
| Children | Julia Sophia Henley, Annabel Henley, Will Henley |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 feet 6 inches) |
| Known For | Wife of Eagles co-founder Don Henley |
| Health Condition | Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) |
| Public Presence | Rare public appearances; maintains private life |
| Residence | California and Dallas, United States |
Early Life in Texas
Sharon Summerall was born in 1962 in Texas, United States, into a modest and private family. Long before the fame of her future husband, Sharon cultivated her own identity with quiet determination and striking beauty. She grew up in a supportive environment, rich in Southern values and close-knit community traditions.
While many details about her childhood remain private—a testament to her deeply personal approach to life—it is known that she carried with her from an early age a calm strength and ambition that would later shape her career. Before she was known as Don Henley’s wife, Sharon was already building a name in the fashion world, establishing herself as a sought-after model during the 1980s and early ’90s.
Her Texas upbringing laid the foundation for a grounded and resilient personality, traits that would later become vital in navigating the complexities of fame, family, and chronic illness.
Sharon’s Rise in the Fashion Industry
Sharon Summerall began her career as a model in the 1980s, working with top agencies and appearing in print and runway shows across the United States and Europe. With her graceful figure, standing at 1.68 meters, and distinctive features, she quickly earned attention in an industry often saturated with fleeting beauty.
She was signed to Elite Model Management, one of the world’s most prominent agencies at the time, and worked in high-fashion circuits in Paris and New York. Her career placed her among the stylish elite, yet Sharon maintained a low public profile, never indulging in tabloid culture or celebrity drama.
Her success was marked by professionalism, elegance, and discipline—qualities that won her admiration from peers and set her apart from the typical fashion stereotypes. But despite her rising status, Sharon made a graceful exit from modeling, choosing instead to focus on a quieter, more meaningful chapter of life.
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Meeting Don Henley: A Love Story Begins
Sharon met Don Henley—the legendary frontman and founder of the Eagles—in the early 1990s, and their connection was instant and deeply rooted. Don had already experienced the heights of global fame, but his personal life was still evolving. Sharon brought balance and stability to that world.
Their relationship blossomed not through flash or spectacle, but through mutual respect, shared values, and a deep emotional connection. Don was drawn to her quiet intelligence and grace, while Sharon admired his creativity and conviction.
They married on May 20, 1995, in an intimate yet star-studded ceremony attended by music legends like Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Jackson Browne, and Sting. The event was a celebration not just of celebrity, but of two souls finding solace and strength in each other.
A Devoted Mother and Family Life
Together, Sharon and Don Henley have three children: Julia Sophia Henley, Annabel Henley, and Will Henley. Sharon has largely stepped away from the public eye to focus on motherhood and family life—roles she embraced with grace and intention.
Despite Don’s busy touring and recording schedule, the couple worked hard to keep their children grounded and raised them outside the pressures of fame. The family splits time between Dallas and California, preferring privacy and peace over Hollywood glamor.
Sharon’s decision to prioritize family over fame is a reflection of her values and strength. She plays a central, guiding role in the lives of her children, offering them a nurturing environment and instilling in them the same groundedness that has defined her own life.
The Hidden Battle: Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis Sharon Summerall
One of the most powerful and private aspects of Sharon’s life is her health journey. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—a chronic and often debilitating autoimmune condition—shortly before her marriage to Don Henley.
Don has publicly credited Sharon’s courage and strength in facing this disease, and her battle has shaped much of their shared life. While Sharon has kept details about her condition private, it is known that she receives medical care and support while continuing to live a full, meaningful life.
Multiple sclerosis Sharon Summerall’s diagnosis was a defining emotional moment—not just for her, but for Don and the entire Henley family. Yet, she has never allowed the illness to define her spirit. Instead, her journey has become a quiet testament to endurance, love, and personal strength.
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A Life Rooted in Privacy and Purpose
Despite being married to one of the most recognizable names in rock history, Sharon Summerall has consistently chosen a life of privacy, reflection, and family. She rarely makes public appearances and does not engage in social media or interviews, allowing her actions and values to speak louder than words.
Her intentional withdrawal from the public eye has been both strategic and soulful, creating a boundary that has preserved her health, marriage, and inner peace.
In an era where celebrity is often overshared, Sharon stands as an example of how to live meaningfully without constant exposure. Her influence on Don Henley is evident in his later lyrics and interviews, where he frequently credits her as the grounding force in his life.
Impact on Don Henley’s Life and Music
Don Henley has often spoken about how Sharon transformed his life, bringing stability, maturity, and a deeper sense of purpose. In several interviews, he’s described her as his anchor—someone who helped him shift from the chaotic rock lifestyle to a more centered and spiritual path.
Her influence can be felt in Henley’s solo albums, particularly in songs that explore love, vulnerability, and redemption. Their relationship is one marked by partnership, shared struggle, and enduring affection, which has enriched Henley’s music and worldview.
Sharon’s presence helped Henley become a devoted father and advocate for environmental causes, showing how personal relationships can have public impact. Their union is proof that love and understanding can evolve a person’s trajectory entirely.
Sharon Summerall’s Influence Beyond the Spotlight
Though she has never sought public recognition, Sharon Summerall’s life has influenced people far beyond her immediate circle. She’s inspired other women navigating chronic illness, motherhood, and life in the shadows of powerful men.
Her elegance, discretion, and strength have earned quiet admiration from those who know her, and her story continues to resonate—not through headlines, but through hearts.
In choosing privacy over popularity, Sharon redefined what it means to be the spouse of a rock star, crafting a legacy rooted not in fame, but in love, integrity, and resilience.
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Don Henley Wife Sharon Summerall Obituary
Despite frequent rumors, there is currently no verified obituary or public report confirming the passing of Sharon Summerall. Many online searches for “Don Henley wife Sharon Summerall obituary” are based on speculation or misinformation.
As of the latest public updates, Sharon is alive and living privately with her family, managing her health and continuing to support Don Henley and their children. Any claims suggesting otherwise should be treated with caution unless confirmed by official sources or statements from the Henley family.
Family Roots and Support System
Sharon’s strength is also rooted in a strong support system, including her husband, children, and close family. The Henley family is known to prioritize closeness and tradition, and Sharon plays a central role in maintaining that emotional harmony.
Her quiet leadership within the family—as a mother, partner, and fighter—embodies the kind of love that doesn’t need applause to be meaningful.
Public Appearances and Media Involvement
Sharon Summerall has largely avoided public events. On rare occasions, she’s attended award shows or music-related ceremonies with Don Henley, but even then, she keeps a low profile, letting her husband take the spotlight.
Her decision not to pursue fame reflects deep self-awareness and emotional strength. It’s a role not many can handle with grace, but Sharon has proven time and again that influence doesn’t require a microphone—it requires presence.
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Charity and Philanthropy
While Sharon is not publicly affiliated with specific charities, Don Henley has contributed to several causes, especially those related to the environment and education. It is widely believed that Sharon supports many of these initiatives behind the scenes, particularly those that reflect their family’s values.
Her battle with MS may also inspire private support for medical and autoimmune research, though no formal affiliations have been disclosed.
Legacy of Resilience
Sharon Summerall’s legacy is one of quiet courage and deep emotional resilience. Her life isn’t marked by hit records or red-carpet moments, but by daily choices of strength, dignity, and compassion.
From her modeling days to her role as a mother and wife, she has carried herself with unwavering grace, earning the love of her family and the respect of those who learn about her story.
Final Thoughts
Sharon Summerall is more than the wife of a rock legend—she is a woman of substance, courage, and enduring love. Her story teaches us that behind even the most public lives are private pillars holding everything together.
Whether facing chronic illness, raising children, or nurturing a lifelong partnership, Sharon has done so with quiet strength, leaving a mark that doesn’t require a stage to be seen or remembered.
FAQs about Sharon Summerall
1. Who is Sharon Summerall?
She is a former model and the wife of Eagles’ co-founder Don Henley.
2. When did Sharon Summerall marry Don Henley?
They were married on May 20, 1995.
3. Does Sharon Summerall have children?
Yes, she has three children: Julia Sophia Henley, Annabel Henley, and Will Henley.
4. What illness does Sharon Summerall have?
She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly before her marriage.
5. Is there an obituary for Sharon Summerall?
No verified obituary exists. As of the latest public information, she is alive and living privately.
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