Popular Searches:
Sharon Summerall is a former international model best known as the wife of Don Henley, the legendary drummer and lead vocalist of the Eagles. Born in California but raised in Texas, Sharon built a successful modeling career in the 1980s before stepping away due to health challenges. She married Henley in 1995 and has focused on family life while managing multiple sclerosis.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sharon Summerall Henley |
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1962 (some sources cite April 30, 1963) |
| Age | 62–63 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Hollywood, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Model |
| Husband | Don Henley (married 1995) |
| Children | 3 (Annabel, Julia, Will) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
| Residence | Dallas, Texas |
Sharon Summerall was born in Hollywood, California, but moved to Texas during her childhood. She grew up in Dallas with her parents, Charles Summerall and Kathryn Sue Minter Summerall. Her father worked on a farm, and the family emphasized traditional values and hard work over material success.
Sharon attended Richardson High School before enrolling at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She graduated in 1985 with a degree that gave her business knowledge. This education later helped her handle the complex situations that come with being married to a celebrity.
Her mother, Kathryn, passed away in 2018 from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. Sharon has two siblings—a brother, Brian Summerall, and a sister, Victoria Sudderth. Both still live in Texas and maintain close family ties.
Sharon launched her modeling career in the early 1980s when talent scouts recognized her natural beauty and professional presence. She quickly gained success and signed with several prestigious agencies.
From 1986 to 1987, Sharon worked with Elite Model Management in Chicago. She also signed with Eva Models in Paris and Ford Models. Her career took her to international fashion hubs including New York, Paris, and Milan.
Sharon appeared on magazine covers and walked runways for major brands. She focused primarily on commercial and catalog modeling, which allowed her to work with well-known department stores and fashion companies.
Her striking features and professionalism made her stand out in the competitive modeling world. During this period, Sharon was building a promising career with years of potential ahead.
In the early 1990s, Sharon received a diagnosis that changed her life. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. MS disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to various physical challenges.
Sharon has the relapsing-remitting form of MS. This type means symptoms come and go, offering periods of stability between flare-ups. Don Henley has spoken publicly about Sharon’s condition in interviews.
“She is managing, holding her own. She has her good weeks and bad weeks,” Henley told The Mirror in 2008. Years later, he added, “We’re fortunate in that she has the relapsing/remitting form of MS. She’s holding her own. We feel hopeful about the future.”
The diagnosis forced Sharon to step away from her modeling career. She formally retired from modeling in 1995 to focus on her health and treatment. Despite the challenges, Sharon has successfully managed the disease for over three decades with medical care and family support.
Sharon met Don Henley in 1993 through music agent Angus Wynne. At the time, Sharon had just retired from modeling and was undergoing treatment for her MS. Henley, the drummer and co-lead vocalist of the Eagles, had been through several high-profile relationships but hadn’t found lasting love.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the connection between Sharon and Don was immediate. They began dating and quickly fell for each other. Don has said that Sharon was the first woman who made him want to settle down permanently.
In a 2015 interview, Henley explained what took him so long to marry. “Initially, I was not ready to get into a lifetime commitment such as marriage, and later, I could not find a soulful connection with any of the women I dated. It all changed after I met Sharon.”
Just four months into their relationship, Don proposed. Sharon said yes, and they became engaged. The couple dated for about two years before tying the knot.
Sharon and Don married on May 20, 1995, in a lavish ceremony that became one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the decade. The event took place at Vista Ranch in Malibu, California.
The wedding was attended by some of the biggest names in music. Guest performers included Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Billy Joel, John Fogerty, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crow, Glenn Frey, and Tony Bennett. Don even sang the Beatles song “In My Life” to Sharon during the reception.
Attendees described the wedding as “basically a rock-and-roll hall of fame.” Sharon wore an elegant long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder white gown with a veil, while Don looked sharp in a tuxedo and bowtie.
Despite the star power present, Sharon and Don managed to keep many details of the ceremony private. The wedding marked the beginning of what would become one of the most stable marriages in the entertainment industry.
Sharon and Don have three children together. Their first daughter, Annabel Henley, was born on December 17, 1995, just seven months after their wedding. They later welcomed a second daughter, Julia Sophia Henley, and a son, Will Henley, who was born on February 9, 1998.
From the beginning, Sharon and Don agreed they wanted their children to have normal upbringings away from Hollywood’s spotlight. This shared value became a cornerstone of their parenting approach.
Will Henley has shown interest in music and made cameo appearances playing guitar during the Eagles’ 2018 tour. Annabel attended University College London, pursuing her education far from the entertainment industry. Julia has maintained a low profile, focusing on her personal interests away from public attention.
Don has spoken about the importance of family in his life. “I wanted my children to have an upbringing similar to my own,” he told The Mirror. “Family is the most important thing in my life.”
One of the most significant decisions Sharon and Don made was to raise their family in Dallas, Texas, rather than Los Angeles. This choice was driven by several factors.
First, Sharon’s parents lived in Dallas. The couple wanted their children to have close relationships with their grandparents, just as they had experienced growing up. Second, they felt raising children in Los Angeles was too challenging due to the entertainment industry’s pressures.
“I don’t want to raise my children out there in an environment of such self-absorption,” Henley explained. “It is easier to do here because my wife’s parents are very much involved. They live here and are very much always there for the children.”
The children attended a local elementary school just 20 minutes from their home. Don even served on the school board to stay involved in their education. The family enjoyed normal activities like playing soccer, volleyball, and baseball, and going fishing together.
Sharon and Don continue to live in Dallas as of 2025, maintaining their commitment to privacy and family values. Don also owns properties in Hollywood, California, and a mansion in Malibu, but Texas remains their primary residence.
Sharon’s individual net worth is estimated at around $1 million. This figure comes primarily from her modeling career in the 1980s, though exact earnings are not publicly disclosed.
In contrast, her husband Don Henley has a net worth of approximately $250 million as of 2025. Henley’s wealth comes from his work with the Eagles, one of the best-selling bands in American history, as well as his successful solo career.
The Eagles have sold over 200 million records worldwide. Their greatest hits compilation became one of the best-selling albums of all time. As a founding member who co-wrote and sang lead vocals on many hits like “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” and “Life in the Fast Lane,” Henley earned substantial royalties.
Together, Sharon and Don share a comfortable lifestyle. Don owns several properties, including a $7 million home in Dallas and a $14 million estate in Malibu. He also purchased a West Hollywood bungalow in 2018 for $2.2 million.
As of 2025, Sharon and Don are approaching their 30th wedding anniversary. This milestone is remarkable in any context but especially notable in the entertainment industry, where marriages often face intense pressure.
Sharon has maintained her preference for privacy throughout her marriage. She is not active on social media platforms and rarely makes public appearances. When she does appear in public, it’s typically for significant events supporting her husband.
In 2016, Sharon and the couple’s children accompanied Don to the Kennedy Center Honors, where the Eagles were celebrated. These occasional appearances show her support for Don’s career while maintaining the family-centered lifestyle they’ve built.
Sharon continues to manage her multiple sclerosis with medical treatment and family support. She has successfully lived with the condition for over 30 years, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience.
Don has written several songs inspired by Sharon, including “Everything Is Different Now” from his 2000 album Inside Job. The song peaked at number 7 on The Billboard 200, showing how Sharon’s influence extends into Don’s creative work.
Sharon Summerall Henley’s life is a testament to quiet strength, grace, and resilience. From her early success as an international model to facing the challenges of multiple sclerosis, she has navigated every chapter with dignity. Her enduring marriage to Don Henley—one of the music industry’s most respected artists—stands as one of Hollywood’s rare love stories built on genuine connection and shared values.
Despite the glamour that surrounds her husband’s fame, Sharon has chosen a grounded life centered on family, faith, and privacy. Her journey—from the runways of Paris to her peaceful life in Dallas—reflects not only personal courage but also a deep commitment to love, health, and stability. Today, Sharon continues to inspire through her resilience, her quiet strength, and her unwavering devotion to family and well-being.
