Sharon Summerall may not be a household celebrity, yet her life has drawn significant curiosity for decades — especially among fans of Don Henley, the Eagles, and admirers of inspiring women who navigate fame while staying grounded. Her story weaves together chapters of ambition, silent resilience, private battles, motherhood, and long-lasting love. Despite her preference for privacy, Sharon’s life has left a visible imprint on those around her, and her partnership with Don Henley is often cited as one of the most enduring relationships in the world of rock music.
This detailed biography brings together everything available about Sharon Summerall:
- Who she is
- Her early life and modeling career
- Her family and children
- Her health journey
- Her current life status
- Her age, birthday, and public facts
- What she was like when she was young
- Where she stood in 2023 and today
Let’s dive into her complete story.
Who Is Sharon Summerall?
Sharon Summerall is best known as the wife of legendary musician Don Henley, co-founder of the Eagles. But defining her only by her marriage does a disservice to her own life story. Before meeting Henley, Sharon carved a promising path as a professional model, working with respected agencies during the 1980s. Her career earned her recognition and opportunities, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Yet, even with success in modeling, Sharon never embraced the spotlight the way a typical public figure might. Instead, she carried a quiet presence — admired by those who knew her but rarely chasing media attention. Her strength and character have been noted by friends of the couple, and Henley himself often expresses how pivotal she has been in bringing stability, grounding, and emotional balance into his life.
Today, Sharon is regarded as a private, elegant figure who stands as an example of resilience, loyalty, and grace.
Early Life & Family Background
Although Sharon has never publicly shared extensive details about her early life, several reliable sources agree that she was born and raised in Texas, USA. She grew up in a hardworking, blue-collar family environment. Her father, Charles Summerall, worked in farming, and her upbringing appears to reflect the down-to-earth values she carries into adulthood.
She attended Richardson High School in Texas, and some sources note she later studied at Southern Methodist University, graduating in 1985 — though not all reports confirm this with certainty.
Despite spending much of her adulthood in spheres connected to entertainment and celebrity culture, Sharon’s Texas roots continued to anchor her. Even after her marriage to Don Henley, the couple chose to maintain their primary home in Texas rather than Los Angeles, prioritizing a quieter life.
Sharon Summerall When She Was Young
Images and recollections from those who knew her describe Sharon Summerall as strikingly beautiful in her youth — which naturally played a role in her early modeling career. Tall, poised, and naturally photogenic, she embodied the classic traits of 1980s fashion aesthetics. Her features, elegance, and quiet confidence allowed her to stand out even in competitive modeling circles.
Her young adulthood also paints a picture of someone driven yet humble, balancing ambition with calm determination. Friends and former colleagues often mention that even in her modeling years, she didn’t chase celebrity — she simply did the work she loved.
Modeling Career
During the 1980s, Sharon joined well-recognized agencies, including Ford Models, one of the top modeling companies in the world. Her work took her to fashion capitals and introduced her to a broader creative world.
However, her modeling career faced a sudden and difficult interruption. In 1982, she experienced a serious car accident that left her with a neck injury. This unfortunate event put her modeling on hold and marked one of the first major challenges in her life.
Later, she faced another battle: a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system. Reports suggest she was diagnosed with the relapsing-remitting form of MS. This required her to shift from her previously active lifestyle to one centered around health management, support, and long-term care planning.
Despite this, Sharon continued to live with strength and optimism — traits that would later inspire Henley and their family.
Meeting Don Henley & Their Relationship
Sharon Summerall met Don Henley in the early 1990s — and the connection was immediate. Henley has often referred to Sharon as the quiet force who helped him find balance, peace, and renewed purpose in life. Their relationship blossomed quickly, built on mutual respect, shared values, and emotional understanding.
In 1995, the couple married in one of the most memorable celebrity weddings of the decade. Their ceremony included attendees from music royalty:
- Bruce Springsteen
- Sting
- Billy Joel
- Jackson Browne
Their wedding song, “For My Wedding,” written by Henley, remains one of the most heartfelt dedications in modern music.
Sharon Summerall’s Children
Together, Sharon and Don Henley have three children, whom they have intentionally raised away from the public spotlight:
- Annabel Henley
- Julia Henley
- Will Henley
The couple has openly said they wanted their children to have a normal upbringing — not overshadowed by fame, media pressure, or expectations tied to Don Henley’s legacy.
This is one major reason they continue to reside in Texas, far from Hollywood. Their parenting style emphasizes privacy, strong family bonds, and personal development. Henley has frequently praised Sharon for being the emotional leader and nurturing presence within their family.
Health Journey — Life With Multiple Sclerosis
Sharon’s MS diagnosis was a life-changing moment, yet she has handled it with remarkable courage. MS can bring unpredictable flare-ups, fatigue, mobility challenges, and neurological symptoms. Despite this, Sharon built a full life around family, wellness, and managing the condition with medical support.
Her experience with MS stands as one of the reasons Henley became more active in charitable and healthcare-related causes over the years. He has often acknowledged how Sharon’s resilience influenced him both personally and artistically.
Sharon Summerall in 2023
By 2023, Sharon Summerall continued to live a quiet, private life in Texas with Don Henley. She made occasional public appearances with her husband, but overall, she remained committed to a low-profile lifestyle focused on family, wellness, and community.
In interviews around that time, Henley again credited her with providing the emotional grounding that shaped much of his later career. Fans who saw Sharon at public events in 2023 described her as elegant, warm, and gentle — characteristics consistent with her long-established public impression.
Is Sharon Summerall Still Alive?
Yes — Sharon Summerall is alive, and there is no verified report indicating otherwise. Occasional confusion arises due to unrelated individuals with similar names whose obituaries appear online, but none of these refer to Sharon Summerall, the wife of Don Henley.
She continues to reside in Texas with her family, maintaining her privacy and living life away from constant media attention.
Sharon Summerall’s Age & Birthday
There is some conflict among public sources regarding Sharon’s exact birth date. Two commonly reported dates are:
- October 19, 1962
- April 30, 1963
Because neither date has been formally confirmed by Sharon or Don Henley, her official birthday remains unverified. However, based on both dates, she is currently in her early 60s.
Regardless of the exact birthday, what remains consistent is that Sharon Summerall continues to represent strength, grace, and dignity as she navigates life’s challenges.
A Life Built on Love, Strength & Privacy
Sharon Summerall’s life is not one of loud celebrity moments or headline-seeking publicity. Instead, it is a story defined by:
- Resilience in the face of illness
- Grace under public curiosity
- A loving and stable partnership with Don Henley
- Dedication to her children and private life
- Quiet influence on one of the world’s most iconic musicians
Her journey — from young Texas girl to international model, from private struggles to celebrated wife and mother — is both moving and admirable.
In a world that often celebrates noise, Sharon Summerall’s quiet strength stands out even more.
As this article is shared on Infory, it also serves as a reflection of how inspiring lives can unfold quietly, beautifully, and powerfully behind the scenes.