Sharon Summerall was born on October 19, 1962, in Hollywood, California, though she spent her formative years in Dallas, Texas, where her family settled. Growing up in a blue-collar Texan household, her father worked on a farm—a point of commonality she later shared with Don Henley. Educated at Richardson High School, she displayed early poise and charisma, traits that would serve her well in the fashion industry.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sharon Summerall |
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1962 |
| Age | 62 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Hollywood, California |
| Raised In | Dallas, Texas |
| Height | Estimated 5’8″ to 5’10” |
| Profession | Former Model |
| Net Worth | ~$1 Million |
| Marital Status | Married to Don Henley |
| Children | Annabel, Julia, Will |
| Residence | Dallas, Texas |
| Social Media | Not Active |
| Health Condition | Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) |
Modeling Career Beginnings
In the early 1980s, Sharon began modeling professionally, signing first with Ford Models and later appearing with agencies like Elite in Chicago and Eva Models in Paris. By 1985, she was gaining traction in commercial work and catalog shoots across the U.S. and Europe. Her work included prominent magazine features and catalog spreads, though official records like cover listings remain limited.
Setback and Resurgence
A serious car accident in December 1982 left Sharon with a neck injury that paused her rising modeling career for nearly two years. Although she eventually recovered and resumed modeling, her momentum was disrupted. Many accounts note that her career fully ended by 1995, shortly before her marriage to Don Henley.
Diagnosis and Strength
In the early 1990s, Sharon was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The condition brought new challenges: it limits mobility, can affect vision or speech, and requires careful long-term management. Don Henley later described her journey in interviews, explaining that she has “good weeks and bad weeks,” and emphasizing that she has the relapsing/remitting form—which means she remains “holding her own” rather than steadily declining.
Meeting Don Henley
Sharon and Don Henley first connected in 1993, introduced through music agent Angus Wynne, and quickly became close. Their shared Texas roots and grounded outlook helped spark an emotional bond. Within about a year of their meeting, Don proposed and their relationship grew into something deeply personal—unlike his earlier romances with Stevie Nicks, Loree Rodkin, Lois Chiles, and an engagement to Maren Jensen.
A Star-Studded 1995 Wedding
On May 20, 1995, they married in a stunning ceremony described as a “rock-and-roll hall of fame” setting at Vista Ranch in California. Guests included Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Billy Joel, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crow, Tony Bennett and Glenn Frey. Sharon wore an elegant off-the-shoulder white gown with flowing brunette curls; Don opted for a classic tuxedo and bow tie.
Family Life and Parenting Decisions
The couple shares three children: daughters Annabel (born December 17, 1995), Julia, and son Will. Wanting their children raised away from Hollywood’s glare, Sharon and Don relocated to Dallas, Texas, settling near her parents. This gave the kids a stable environment—playing soccer, volleyball, baseball, enjoying fishing trips, and having grandparents actively involved.
Privacy and Lifestyle in Dallas
Sharon chooses to lead a quiet, private life, largely absent from social media and public appearances. She lives a grounded home-centered existence in Dallas, focused on family, health management, and a slower pace after years in the spotlight. Public appearances are rare: one notable exception was at the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors, where the family joined Don on the red carpet as the Eagles were honored.
Health Journey and Support
Sharon’s MS diagnosis required both medical attention and emotional resilience. Don has described himself as her advocate and partner: he highlighted that her form of MS remains manageable and that they remain optimistic about the future, even as treatment continues. Their shared lifestyle prioritizes accessibility, support networks, and remaining active within her abilities.
Physical Appearance
Detailed, confirmed information about Sharon’s height is scarce. Multiple biographical summaries list general modeling credentials but omit specifics on stature—suggesting she likely stood at a model-typical height (around 5’8″ to 5’10″), though no official figure is public. She is described as having brunette hair, classic features, and a poised presence during her modeling years.
Age and Net Worth
Sharon Summerall was born in 1962, making her in her early 60s as of mid-2025. Her individual net worth is estimated at around $1 million, derived largely from her modeling career in the 1980s and early 1990s. Don Henley, by contrast, has a much larger estimated fortune—between $200 million and $250 million.
Social Media Presence
Sharon does not maintain any public social media profiles under her name, choosing to keep her personal life private. This is consistent across interviews and biographical profiles. Despite her husband’s fame, she has remained almost anonymous online.
Inspirational Influence on Henley’s Music
Their relationship inspired Don’s 2000 solo album Inside Job, particularly the song “Everything Is Different Now.” He described Sharon as “an angel with golden wings” and credited her with bringing peace, stability, and emotional depth into his life. The album reflects on marriage, fatherhood, love, and the shift from rock-star chaos to grounded domesticity.
Public Impressions and Legacy
Though Sharon remained largely out of the spotlight, those who know Don speak warmly of her influence—her grace under health struggles and her grounding role in his later life. She quietly supports philanthropic causes, particularly related to multiple sclerosis awareness and health advocacy, though details are not always public.
Current Life in 2025
Now aged 62, Sharon continues residing in Dallas, Texas, deeply rooted near family and community. She prioritizes her family, health, and offering her children a childhood far from fame’s turbulence. Reports indicate she maintains health routines that respect MS limitations but still enable a full personal life.
Closing Reflection
Sharon Summerall’s life story is one of transition—from the fashion world into quiet strength, from early promise disrupted by adversity to a steady role as loving mother and partner. She gracefully navigates life away from fame’s glare, yet her influence quietly shapes both her family and Don Henley’s creative journey. Despite limited public information, what emerges is the portrait of a grounded, private, resilient woman who chose family, health, and love over limelight. Her legacy lies not in public accolades but in the depth of her personal courage, motherhood, and unwavering support.
READ MORE : The Untold Story of Daniel Craig Costner, Kevin’s Brother and Business Partner
FAQs
Who is Sharon Summerall?
Sharon Summerall is a former model and the wife of Don Henley, co-founder of the Eagles. She has lived a private life focused on family, health, and motherhood.
What happened to her modeling career?
Her career was paused due to a neck injury in 1982 and ended in the mid-1990s following her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis.
Does Sharon Summerall have social media?
No, Sharon does not use public social media and prefers to keep her personal life private.
Where does she live now?
She currently resides in Dallas, Texas, with her family, where she enjoys a quieter life away from the spotlight.
How is her health today?
She has relapsing-remitting MS and manages her condition with support from her family and medical care, maintaining a stable quality of life.
