Who is Sharon Summerall? The Private Life of Don Henley’s Wife

In the world of rock and roll, where fame often overshadows family, Sharon Summerall has maintained a quiet but powerful presence. Best known as the wife of Don Henley, co-founder of the Eagles and one of rock music’s most celebrated figures, Sharon is far more than just a rock star’s spouse. With a background in fashion modeling and a personality known for its calm grace, she has navigated a high-profile life with remarkable discretion. Despite being married to a music legend, Sharon has chosen a life largely away from the public eye, letting her husband’s legacy shine while keeping her own dignified silence.
This article takes a deep look at who Sharon Summerall is — her background, her career before fame by association, her relationship with Don Henley, and how she has influenced the life and career of one of the most respected artists in American music.

Early Life and Background

Not much is publicly known about Sharon Summerall’s early life, and that’s very much by design. Sharon has carefully preserved her privacy, even before marrying into fame. What is known is that she was born in the United States and raised in a modest background. Her natural beauty and poise led her to pursue a career in modeling during the late 1980s and early 1990s. At a time when the fashion world was intensely competitive, Sharon managed to work with some well-known agencies and brands, establishing herself as a professional in her own right.
Sharon’s early career as a model took her to international fashion scenes, including Paris and New York, where she gained firsthand experience in an industry known for its glamour and pressure. Though she didn’t become a household name, she earned respect within fashion circles. Her ability to walk away from that demanding world before it consumed her says something about her inner strength and grounded nature. Sharon didn’t chase celebrity for the sake of it—an attitude that would later help her in navigating a relationship with a globally recognized musician.

Meeting Don Henley: A Private Love Story

Sharon Summerall met Don Henley in the early 1990s, and their relationship developed quickly. Henley, by then, was already a rock music icon, known not just for his role in the Eagles but also for a successful solo career. After past high-profile relationships with stars like Stevie Nicks and even model Lois Chiles, Henley had experienced both the highs and pitfalls of dating within the public eye. With Sharon, however, things were different.
They reportedly dated for a couple of years before getting married in 1995. Their wedding was a major event, attracting several celebrity guests including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Sting, and Sheryl Crow. But despite the A-list guest list, the heart of the event was personal and emotional. Henley is known to have said that marrying Sharon was one of the best decisions he ever made.
Their relationship has stood the test of time, a rarity in the music industry. Part of their longevity comes from their mutual respect and shared values. Sharon has never tried to bask in the spotlight. Instead, she’s supported Henley through decades of tours, recording sessions, and personal trials, all while raising a family and staying largely out of the tabloids.

Life as a Music Legend’s Partner

Being married to someone like Don Henley isn’t just about attending glamorous parties or appearing at award shows. Sharon Summerall has taken on a quieter but equally demanding role — that of grounding influence. Henley himself has spoken about how Sharon helped him become more balanced and stable, both emotionally and mentally.
Sharon and Don have three children together, and she has devoted much of her time to being a mother and homemaker. The family lives in Dallas, Texas, far removed from the constant buzz of Los Angeles or New York, which has allowed them a sense of normalcy. Sharon’s role as a full-time parent while her husband toured the world and maintained a busy career speaks volumes about her character.
Her presence has also been critical during Henley’s philanthropic efforts. Don Henley has been an advocate for environmental causes and historical preservation, especially in Texas, and Sharon has supported these initiatives behind the scenes. Though rarely seen in public during these events, her input and presence have often been acknowledged by those close to the couple.

Health Challenges and Resilience

In a lesser-known aspect of her life, Sharon Summerall has battled multiple sclerosis (MS). Diagnosed before her marriage to Henley, her condition was something she discussed with him early in their relationship. Instead of running away from the challenges it might present, Henley stood by her and supported her wholeheartedly.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, often leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, and impaired coordination. Despite this, Sharon has managed her condition with dignity and strength. Her health issues have likely contributed to the couple’s decision to live a quieter, more private life.
Don Henley’s respect for Sharon only seems to have grown as he witnessed her perseverance and resolve. It’s a deeply human story—a world-famous musician choosing love and commitment over superficiality and flash. Sharon’s resilience has no doubt shaped the stable and enduring relationship the couple enjoys today.

Sharon Summerall’s Influence on Don Henley’s Life and Music

Although she is not a musician herself, Sharon Summerall has influenced Don Henley’s music both directly and indirectly. After their marriage, Henley’s lyrics began reflecting more grounded themes—commitment, maturity, and family. Songs from his later albums often carry the tone of a man who has found meaning beyond fame.
Henley has often expressed that Sharon helped him deal with personal demons and the burnout that comes with years in the music business. While the Eagles’ reunions and tours brought back the pressure of the spotlight, Sharon helped provide a retreat—a safe space where he could be just Don, the man, not Don, the legend.
Some music critics have even suggested that Sharon’s influence can be felt in the emotional maturity of Henley’s more recent work. While not credited on any liner notes, her presence behind the scenes may very well be one of the driving forces in the latter half of Henley’s career.

Conclusion

Sharon Summerall may not be a household name, but her impact on one of rock’s most iconic figures is undeniable. She’s a woman who chose substance over spotlight, family over fame. Her background in modeling, her long-term marriage to Don Henley, her role as a mother, and her courageous battle with MS all paint the picture of someone with deep inner strength and unwavering dedication.
While many spouses of celebrities get caught up in the glare of fame, Sharon has remained grounded. She has carved out a role that’s powerful in its humility—supporting, shaping, and enriching the life of a man celebrated worldwide. Her story serves as a reminder that behind many great public figures stands someone extraordinary, choosing love, loyalty, and a quiet kind of courage every day.

FAQs about Sharon Summerall

1. Who is Sharon Summerall?
Sharon Summerall is a former fashion model and the wife of Don Henley, co-founder of the Eagles. She is known for living a private life away from the spotlight.

2. When did Sharon Summerall marry Don Henley?
She married Don Henley in 1995, after dating him for a couple of years.

3. Does Sharon Summerall have children?
Yes, Sharon and Don Henley have three children together and live in Dallas, Texas.

4. What was Sharon Summerall’s career before marrying Don Henley?
She worked as a professional model in the late 1980s and early 1990s, traveling between major fashion hubs like Paris and New York.

5. Is Sharon Summerall dealing with any health issues?
Yes, she has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a condition she has managed with quiet strength and resilience.

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