Sharon Summerall has spent nearly 30 years married to Eagles star Don Henley, choosing family over fame throughout their relationship. Born in California but raised in Texas, she built a successful international modeling career before multiple sclerosis changed her path. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she shifted her focus from modeling to family life.
The woman behind one of rock music’s most enduring marriages has lived her life away from Hollywood spotlights. Sharon has largely avoided public life, making only occasional appearances at major events such as the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors. This is her story of resilience, love, and choosing what matters most.
Sharon Summerall Bio/Wiki
| Facts | Information |
| Full Name | Sharon Summerall |
| Born | October 19, 1962, Hollywood, California |
| Education | Richardson High School, SMU (1985) |
| Former Career | International Fashion Model |
| Married | Don Henley (1995) |
| Children | Annabel, Julia, Will |
| Parents | Charles and Kathryn Summerall |
| Health | Multiple Sclerosis (relapsing-remitting) |
| Residence | Dallas, Texas |
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Sharon Summerall was born on October 19, 1962, in Hollywood, California, but moved to Texas during childhood with her parents Charles Summerall and Kathryn Sue Minter Summerall (Famous BirthDays). She grew up alongside siblings Brian Summerall and Victoria Sudderth in a family rooted in traditional values and hard work.
Her father worked on a farm, giving Sharon early exposure to practical values that would guide her through future challenges. The family emphasized education and character over material success. These Texas roots became the foundation for her later decisions about marriage and raising children.
Sharon attended Richardson High School before enrolling at Southern Methodist University, where she graduated in 1985. Her college education provided business knowledge that proved valuable during her modeling career and later life as a celebrity spouse navigating complex situations with grace.
Rise in International Modeling
The early 1980s launched Sharon’s modeling career when talent scouts recognized her natural beauty and professional presence. She signed with prestigious agencies including Elite Model Management, Ford Models, and Eva Models. Her work took her to fashion capitals worldwide, walking runways in New York, Paris, and Milan. (Vocal.Media)
From 1986 to 1987, Sharon worked under contract with Elite Model Management in Chicago during the peak of her career. She appeared on magazine covers and worked with top fashion houses across multiple continents. Her professional approach and Texas upbringing kept her grounded in an industry known for excess and pressure.
The competitive modeling world of the 1980s required both physical beauty and mental toughness. Sharon’s ability to maintain her values while succeeding internationally showed early signs of the character that would later help her handle greater challenges with dignity and strength.
Career Challenges and Health Diagnosis
According to D Magazine, in December 1982, Sharon was involved in a car accident that caused a serious neck injury and interrupted her modeling career. She spent about two years recovering before returning to work in the fashion industry.
In the early 1990s, Sharon was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a long-term condition that affects the nervous system. She has the relapsing-remitting form, which means her symptoms come and go. Because of this diagnosis, she retired from modeling in 1995, the same year she married Don Henley (The Wall Street Journal).
Since then, Sharon has mostly kept details of her health private. She manages the condition while focusing on her family and daily life.
Meeting Don Henley and Marriage
Music agent Angus Wynne introduced Sharon and Don Henley in 1993 when both were ready for lasting commitment as reported by Texas Monthly. Don had experienced high-profile relationships with stars like Stevie Nicks and Lois Chiles, but his connection with Sharon felt different from the start. Their shared Texas background created immediate common ground beyond surface attraction.
At 31, Sharon brought maturity to their relationship that helped her handle the pressures of dating a rock star. Don was 46 and appreciated finding someone who understood his desire for quieter life away from music industry chaos. Their courtship was refreshingly normal, built on genuine compatibility rather than publicity or career advantages.
Their 1995 wedding became legendary for its musical performances by friends including Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Billy Joel, John Fogerty, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crow, Glenn Frey, and Tony Bennett. Despite the star power, they kept the ceremony focused on their commitment to each other rather than creating a media spectacle.
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Family Life and Parenting Choices
Sharon and Don have three children: daughters Annabel and Julia, and son Will. The couple made the deliberate choice to raise their family in Dallas, Texas, rather than Los Angeles or other entertainment industry centers. This decision kept their children close to Sharon’s parents and provided normal childhood experiences despite their father’s fame.
Don Henley explained in an interview with The Mirror: “I wanted my children to have an upbringing similar to my own. I don’t want to raise my children in an environment of such self-absorption.” Sharon’s influence helped create a stable home environment focused on family values rather than celebrity culture and its pressures.
Living in Dallas allowed Sharon’s parents to be actively involved grandparents, something both she and Don valued from their own childhoods. The geographical distance from Hollywood protected their family’s privacy while keeping them connected to extended family and Texas communities that shaped their values.
Musical Inspiration and Influence
Sharon became the inspiration for significant changes in Don Henley’s songwriting and artistic direction during their marriage. In his 2000 album Inside Job, Don Henley referenced Sharon in the song ‘Everything Is Different Now.
Don’s transformation from rock star bachelor to devoted family man influenced not just individual songs but his entire artistic perspective. The themes in his later work shifted toward love, commitment, and finding peace after years of touring and recording. Sharon provided him with new inspiration rooted in lasting relationships rather than temporary experiences.
Their marriage gave Don different priorities and a fresh outlook on what constitutes real success. His public comments about family often reference how Sharon brought stability and joy to his life, showing her profound influence on both his personal happiness and creative output.
Privacy and Public Life
Sharon maintains a deliberately private lifestyle, making rare public appearances only for significant events. She appeared publicly at the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., where the Eagles were recognized. Coverage by People Magazine noted her attendance alongside Henley and their children. She generally maintains a low profile, focusing on family life and making only rare public appearances.
When she does appear publicly, it’s clear that choosing privacy has allowed her to remain authentic rather than developing a public persona. Her rare appearances feel genuine because they stem from supporting her husband or family rather than seeking attention for herself.
Current Life and Legacy
As of 2025, Sharon and Don approach their 30th wedding anniversary, a remarkable achievement in any context but especially notable in the entertainment industry. Their lasting marriage serves as an example of how shared values and genuine compatibility can survive the pressures of fame and public scrutiny.
Sharon has influenced Don Henley’s later music and family life, particularly as a source of inspiration for some of his work. Despite living with multiple sclerosis, Sharon has maintained a private family-centered lifestyle in Dallas. She continues to manage her health while supporting her husband’s career and raising their children.
Her life reflects a preference for privacy and family-centered choices rather than public visibility or media engagement.
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FAQ’s About Sharon Summerall
When did Sharon Summerall marry Don Henley?
They married in 1995, two years after meeting through music agent Angus Wynne in 1993.
How many children do they have?
Sharon and Don have three children: daughters Annabel and Julia, and son Will.
What health condition does Sharon have?
She has multiple sclerosis, specifically the relapsing-remitting form diagnosed in the early 1990s.
What was her career before marriage?
Sharon was an international fashion model working with agencies like Elite, Ford Models, and Eva Models.
Where does the family live?
They live in Dallas, Texas, choosing to raise their children close to family rather than in Hollywood.
How has Sharon influenced Don’s music?
She inspired his 2000 album “Inside Job,” particularly the song “Everything Is Different Now” written specifically for her.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. All content is based on publicly available sources and interviews. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, some details may change over time. The article does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice.
Emma Duke is the writer of Biosfacts.com with 6 years of experience writing about famous people. She loves sharing simple, true stories about celebrities, athletes, leaders, scientists, and artists.
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