When you think of classic American rock music, Don Henley’s name inevitably comes to mind. As a founding member of the iconic band The Eagles, Henley helped shape an era with his distinctive voice and songwriting. Yet behind the scenes, the heart of his personal life is held by a woman who has largely stayed out of the spotlight—Sharon Summerall. While not a household name, Sharon has lived an extraordinary life, standing beside one of music’s biggest legends through triumphs and challenges alike.

This article dives deep into the life of Sharon Summerall, exploring her early career, her marriage to Don Henley, her personal health battles, and her influence as a private yet significant figure in the music world. Whether you’re a fan of The Eagles or simply interested in the stories of strong, influential women behind famous men, this is a story worth knowing.

Quick Bio

Field	Details
Full Name	Sharon Summerall
Known For	Former Model, Wife of Don Henley
Nationality	American
Profession	Former Fashion Model
Spouse	Don Henley (married in 1995)
Children	Three (names kept private)
Health	Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (1990s)
Residence	Dallas, Texas
Public Appearances	Very Limited

From Small-Town Roots to the Fashion World

Not much is publicly known about Sharon Summerall’s early life, a deliberate choice that reflects her desire to lead a private, grounded existence. Raised in the United States, Sharon entered the world of fashion modeling during the late 1980s and early 1990s—a period when modeling was becoming a major part of pop culture. She reportedly worked with Elite Model Management, one of the industry’s top agencies. Her elegance, poise, and beauty made her stand out in an industry that was both competitive and demanding.

Sharon’s career may have brought her to the runways and covers of fashion magazines, but she never let the glitz distract her from her values. By all accounts, she was professional, humble, and grounded despite working in an industry known for its excess. Modeling opened doors and gave her a taste of high society, but her next chapter would prove even more impactful.

Meeting Don Henley: A Love That Stood the Test of Time

Sharon Summerall met Don Henley in the early 1990s, and the connection between the two was immediate. At the time, Henley was already a musical legend, with hit songs like “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” and “The Boys of Summer” under his belt. Despite the stark contrast in their public personas—Henley the rock star and Summerall the quiet former model—the two found common ground in their values and personalities.

Their romance blossomed quickly, and in May 1995, the couple tied the knot in a grand yet intimate wedding in Dallas, Texas. The wedding was a star-studded event, attended by legends like Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Billy Joel, Sheryl Crow, and Glenn Frey. However, the focus remained on the couple’s genuine connection and the beginning of their shared journey.

A Battle With Multiple Sclerosis

One of the most challenging and defining moments in Sharon Summerall’s life came when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the 1990s, shortly before her marriage to Henley. MS is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to fatigue, mobility issues, and other long-term complications. The diagnosis could have derailed their relationship, but instead, it only strengthened their bond.

Don Henley has often spoken publicly about how Sharon’s strength and resilience in the face of the disease inspired him deeply. He credits her with bringing stability and clarity to his life—a grounding force amid the chaos of the music industry. Sharon’s journey with MS has remained mostly private, but her courage in facing the illness has been a central part of her personal narrative.

A Private Life in a Public World

Despite being married to one of the most recognizable figures in American music, Sharon Summerall has maintained an extraordinarily private life. She rarely appears at public events and avoids the media spotlight altogether. Her decision to step away from modeling and public life was intentional, rooted in a desire to focus on family, health, and personal growth.

The couple’s home base is in Dallas, Texas, where they live on a spacious ranch. Over the years, Sharon and Don have raised three children, whose identities have also been kept private to give them a normal upbringing away from the glare of celebrity culture. This commitment to privacy has allowed Sharon to build a life of authenticity—one not dictated by fame but by values.

Influence Behind the Scenes

While Sharon Summerall may not have had a visible presence in Don Henley’s professional life, her influence behind the scenes is undeniable. Henley has credited her with bringing balance to his life, particularly during tumultuous times in his career. Their relationship is often seen as one of the more stable and enduring marriages in the entertainment world—a rarity in the often turbulent world of celebrity unions.

Sharon’s insight and perspective are believed to have shaped Henley’s later music and philanthropic efforts. He is heavily involved in environmental causes, especially in Texas, and Sharon has been a quiet partner in those endeavors. Her background in fashion and appreciation for the arts also helped Henley expand his worldview beyond the confines of the music industry.

Don Henley’s Devotion to Sharon

Over the years, Don Henley has publicly expressed his deep respect and love for Sharon. In interviews, he often credits her with saving him from a destructive lifestyle and helping him find peace and purpose. Their relationship, which now spans more than three decades, has been marked by mutual respect, loyalty, and unwavering support.

Henley’s solo album “Inside Job” includes themes of healing, partnership, and commitment—elements that many believe are drawn directly from his life with Sharon. Despite being known as a tough and occasionally aloof figure in the music business, Henley’s personal life reveals a softer, more devoted man, and much of that change is attributed to his relationship with Sharon.

Life Away from the Limelight

In an age where celebrities frequently share every detail of their lives on social media, Sharon Summerall’s decision to remain out of the limelight is both refreshing and admirable. There are no personal interviews, no memoirs, and no Instagram accounts dedicated to curated glimpses of her life. What the world knows of Sharon is filtered through the lens of respect—by her husband and those closest to her.

This deliberate privacy has enabled her to navigate the world of fame without being consumed by it. It also speaks to her strength and character, choosing substance over spectacle. In many ways, Sharon Summerall represents a kind of old-school elegance—someone who values personal relationships, health, and a sense of home over fame and attention.

Her Legacy: Grace, Strength, and Steadfastness

Though Sharon Summerall’s public presence is minimal, her legacy is deeply rooted in the lives she has touched. From her early career in modeling to her role as a supportive partner to one of music’s greats, her life story is one of quiet strength. She has battled chronic illness with dignity, supported her husband through decades of ups and downs, and raised a family away from the noise of fame.

In today’s fast-paced, attention-driven culture, Sharon’s life reminds us that influence doesn’t always come with a spotlight. Sometimes, the most powerful legacies are the ones built in private—through loyalty, love, and resilience.

Conclusion: Why Sharon Summerall’s Story Matters

Sharon Summerall may not be a name that headlines magazines, but her story is deeply compelling. As the wife of Don Henley, she has been part of one of the most iconic music legacies of our time. Yet beyond that, she is a woman who chose a life of substance over spectacle, privacy over publicity, and grace over grandeur.

Her resilience in the face of illness, her steadfast partnership, and her quiet strength all contribute to a legacy that deserves to be acknowledged. Whether you admire her for her journey, her strength, or her values, one thing is clear—Sharon Summerall is a remarkable woman whose story offers a powerful example of love, courage, and grace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Sharon Summerall?

• Sharon Summerall is a former American fashion model and the wife of Don Henley, co-founder of the rock band The Eagles.

2. How did Sharon Summerall and Don Henley meet?

• They met in the early 1990s and quickly formed a strong bond. They were married in 1995 in a ceremony attended by several music legends.

3. What illness does Sharon Summerall have?

• Sharon was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1990s, a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system.

4. Does Sharon Summerall still model?

• No, she retired from modeling after her marriage and has lived a largely private life since then.

5. How many children do Don Henley and Sharon Summerall have?

• They have three children, but their names and details have been kept private to protect their privacy.