Jill Rhodes is an accomplished journalist and former political columnist who spent much of her professional life away from the spotlight, despite being married to one of America’s most prominent conservative media personalities, Sean Hannity. Born in Alabama, Jill Rhodes built her own career in journalism before meeting her future husband, demonstrating talent and independence that would define her approach to both professional and personal life. Jill Rhodes’ career in journalism began in the late 1980s and early 1990s when she worked as a political columnist and journalist in Alabama, establishing her credentials before the rise of cable news dominance. Her marriage to Sean Hannity in 1993 lasted 26 years, during which she largely stepped away from the public eye to focus on raising their two children while her husband’s career skyrocketed to national prominence. As of 2026, Jill Rhodes maintains an extraordinarily private life following her divorce from Hannity, which was finalized in 2020 after years of separation. Her story represents that of many talented professionals who choose family over career visibility, and who successfully navigate life after high-profile relationships with dignity and discretion. Throughout her journey, Jill Rhodes has demonstrated remarkable ability to maintain privacy in an era of intense media scrutiny and social media oversharing.
Personal Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jill Rhodes |
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1962 |
| Age | 63 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Montgomery, Alabama, USA |
| Current Residence | Believed to be Long Island, New York area |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Alabama (Degree in Journalism) |
| Occupation | Former Journalist, Political Columnist, Author |
| Years Active (Journalism) | Late 1980s–Early 1990s |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Former Spouse | Sean Hannity (m. 1993–2019, divorced 2020) |
| Children | 2 (Patrick and Merri Kelly Hannity) |
| Current Status | Private citizen |
Early Life and Education
Alabama Roots
Jill Rhodes was born on August 27, 1962, in Montgomery, Alabama, into what appears to have been a middle-class Southern family. Growing up in Alabama during the 1960s and 1970s, she experienced the cultural and political transformation of the South during a significant period in American history.
Details about her parents, siblings, and childhood remain largely private, as Rhodes has consistently avoided sharing personal biographical information publicly. What is known is that she was raised with values that emphasized education, professional achievement, and independence—qualities that would define her early career.
Her upbringing in Alabama, a state with deep conservative traditions and strong journalistic heritage, likely influenced her career choice and political perspectives. The South’s tradition of storytelling and political engagement created a natural environment for someone interested in journalism and political commentary.
University of Alabama
Jill Rhodes attended the University of Alabama, where she pursued a degree in journalism. The University of Alabama’s journalism program has a strong reputation, and her time there provided the foundation for her professional career in media and writing.
During her college years in the early 1980s, Rhodes developed the skills that would serve her in her journalism career—writing, research, political analysis, and critical thinking. She graduated with her journalism degree, positioning herself to enter the competitive field of professional journalism.
Her education occurred during a transformative time for journalism, as the industry was evolving with new technologies and changing media landscapes. This timing would prove relevant as she entered the profession just as political commentary and opinion journalism were gaining prominence.
Journalism Career
Early Professional Work
After graduating from the University of Alabama, Jill Rhodes began her journalism career in Alabama during the late 1980s. She worked as a political columnist and journalist, covering state and local politics during a dynamic period in Southern political realignment.
Her work focused on political analysis and commentary, demonstrating her understanding of complex political dynamics and ability to communicate them effectively to readers. Colleagues from this period have described her as intelligent, hardworking, and committed to journalistic integrity.
Political Columnist
Rhodes gained recognition as a political columnist in Alabama, writing pieces that analyzed state politics, political figures, and policy issues. Her columns appeared in Alabama publications, building her reputation among readers interested in political discourse.
Her work during this period showed independence of thought and willingness to engage with controversial topics. As a female political columnist in the South during the late 1980s and early 1990s, she navigated a male-dominated field while establishing her own voice and perspective.
Meeting Sean Hannity
Jill Rhodes’ journalism career intersected with her personal life when she met Sean Hannity in 1991. At the time, Hannity was working at WVNN radio in Huntsville, Alabama, early in his broadcasting career. He called Rhodes seeking information for a story he was working on, and their professional interaction led to a personal connection.
The meeting was fortuitous—two young journalists from different backgrounds (Rhodes the Southern print journalist, Hannity the New York radio personality) finding common ground in their shared interest in politics and media. Their relationship developed quickly despite coming from different media worlds.
Marriage to Sean Hannity
Wedding and Early Marriage
Jill Rhodes and Sean Hannity married in 1993, just two years after meeting. The wedding was a relatively private affair, reflecting what would become a pattern of keeping their personal life away from public scrutiny despite Sean’s growing media presence.
In the early years of their marriage, both were still establishing their careers. Sean was working his way through various radio markets, and the couple moved as his career opportunities evolved. Jill’s willingness to support his career mobility, even as it meant leaving her own journalism career in Alabama, demonstrated her commitment to the marriage.
Supporting Sean’s Career
As Sean Hannity’s broadcasting career took off—first in Atlanta, then nationally with the 1996 launch of Fox News—Jill Rhodes made the decision to step back from her own journalism career to support his and focus on family. This choice, common among spouses of high-profile figures, meant sacrificing her own professional ambitions.
Her behind-the-scenes support proved invaluable during Sean’s rise to prominence. She reportedly provided feedback on his work, helped with research, and offered the stability of family life that allowed him to focus on building his media empire. Friends and colleagues noted that Jill was intelligent and politically astute, serving as a sounding board for Sean’s ideas.
Motherhood and Family Life
The couple’s first child, son Patrick, was born in 1998, followed by daughter Merri Kelly in 2002. Jill Rhodes devoted herself to motherhood, raising the children primarily in Long Island, New York, where the family maintained their main residence.
As a mother, Rhodes prioritized her children’s privacy and normal upbringing despite their father’s celebrity. She kept Patrick and Merri Kelly largely out of the public eye, rarely appearing at public events and ensuring the children could grow up away from media attention.
Her approach to parenting emphasized education, values, and maintaining normalcy despite the extraordinary circumstances of having a famous father. Friends described her as a devoted, hands-on mother who created a stable home environment while Sean traveled extensively for work.
Private Life Philosophy
Throughout her 26-year marriage to Sean Hannity, Jill Rhodes maintained an extraordinarily private life. She did not give interviews, rarely appeared on camera, avoided social media entirely, and declined opportunities to capitalize on her husband’s fame.
This privacy was deliberate and principled. Unlike some spouses of celebrities who seek their own spotlight, Rhodes appeared content to remain behind the scenes. She attended some Fox News events and functions when necessary but generally avoided the media circus surrounding her husband’s career.
Her privacy extended to her own professional work. While married, she occasionally collaborated with Sean on book projects and research, but these contributions were largely uncredited. She appeared to have no desire for public recognition or independent celebrity status.
Marriage Challenges and Separation
Growing Apart
Despite the appearance of a stable marriage, Jill Rhodes and Sean Hannity reportedly began experiencing difficulties several years before their eventual separation. The exact timeline and reasons for their marital problems have never been publicly disclosed, but several factors likely contributed.
Sean’s demanding career—hosting a nightly television show, daily radio program, writing books, and maintaining extensive travel schedule—meant long hours away from family. The pressures of his high-profile, controversial career likely created stress on the marriage.
Additionally, as their children grew older and became more independent, the dynamics that had sustained the marriage during the child-rearing years may have shifted. With Patrick and Merri Kelly approaching adulthood, Jill and Sean may have realized they had grown in different directions.
Quiet Separation
According to the eventual announcement, Jill Rhodes and Sean Hannity separated several years before making their divorce public. This quiet separation allowed them to navigate the end of their marriage privately while protecting their children during formative years.
The couple’s ability to separate without immediate public disclosure demonstrates their commitment to privacy and protecting their family. During the separation period, both continued to present a united front publicly when necessary, avoiding the spectacle that often accompanies celebrity divorces.
Divorce Finalization
In 2019, Jill Rhodes and Sean Hannity finalized their divorce after 26 years of marriage, though the divorce was not publicly announced until June 2020. The delayed announcement suggests the couple wanted to ensure the process was complete and their children were prepared before facing public scrutiny.
The divorce announcement came as a surprise to many fans and followers who had no indication of marital problems. The statement, released jointly, emphasized that the divorce was amicable and that both remained committed to co-parenting their children.
Financial details of the divorce settlement have never been disclosed, but given Sean Hannity’s substantial wealth (estimated at $250-300 million), the settlement likely involved significant assets. New York divorce law would have entitled Jill to substantial marital property, though the exact terms remain private.
Life After Divorce
Post-Divorce Privacy
Following her divorce, Jill Rhodes has maintained even stricter privacy than during her marriage. She has given no interviews, made no public statements beyond the initial divorce announcement, and remains completely absent from social media platforms.
Her current residence is believed to be in the Long Island, New York area where the family lived during the marriage, though this has not been confirmed. She may have retained property from the divorce settlement or purchased new residences with her settlement funds.
Relationship with Children
Despite the divorce, Jill Rhodes remains close to her adult children, Patrick (now in his late twenties) and Merri Kelly (now in her early twenties). Both children have maintained relationships with both parents, suggesting the divorce was indeed handled amicably.
As a mother of adult children, Rhodes’ role has evolved from primary caregiver to supportive presence as Patrick and Merri Kelly build their own lives. Her continued privacy protects not just herself but also her children, who have shown no interest in leveraging their father’s fame.
Sean Hannity’s New Relationship
Jill Rhodes has maintained complete silence regarding her ex-husband’s relationship with and engagement to Ainsley Earhardt. This discretion, while not surprising given her consistent privacy, demonstrates maturity and focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on the past.
There is no public evidence of conflict between Rhodes and Earhardt, and no indication that Rhodes has any involvement in or opinion about her ex-husband’s personal life. This detachment reflects either genuine indifference or admirable restraint.
Current Activities
Jill Rhodes’ current professional activities, hobbies, interests, and daily life remain completely unknown to the public. Whether she has returned to journalism, pursued other professional interests, engaged in volunteer work, or simply enjoys retirement-like privacy is not documented.
At 63 years old in 2026, Rhodes is at an age where many professionals are considering retirement or pursuing passion projects. With financial security from her divorce settlement, she has the freedom to pursue whatever interests her without economic pressure.
Professional Legacy
Journalism Contributions
While Jill Rhodes’ journalism career was cut short by her marriage and family responsibilities, her early work as a political columnist in Alabama demonstrated talent and potential. Her contributions to Alabama journalism, though largely forgotten in light of her marriage, represented solid work during her active years.
Her decision to step away from journalism to support her family reflects choices many talented women of her generation made, prioritizing family over career at a time when “having it all” was less feasible than contemporary discussions might suggest.
Behind-the-Scenes Influence
Friends and associates have suggested that Jill Rhodes played an important behind-the-scenes role in Sean Hannity’s success, providing editorial feedback, research assistance, and strategic advice. While impossible to quantify, her contributions to his career during their marriage may have been more significant than publicly acknowledged.
Her intelligence, political knowledge, and journalistic background made her an ideal partner for someone building a career in political commentary. The stability she provided allowed Sean to focus on his demanding career without worrying about family management.
Financial Status and Net Worth
Divorce Settlement
While exact figures have never been disclosed, Jill Rhodes’ divorce settlement from Sean Hannity was almost certainly substantial. New York’s equitable distribution laws, combined with the length of the marriage (26 years) and Sean’s wealth accumulation during that time, would have entitled her to significant marital assets.
Sean Hannity’s net worth at the time of divorce was estimated at $200-250 million, suggesting Jill’s settlement could have been in the tens of millions of dollars range, possibly higher depending on negotiation and specific asset division.
Current Net Worth
As of 2026, Jill Rhodes’ estimated net worth is likely between $20-50 million, though this is speculative given the lack of public information. Her settlement would have included cash, property, and possibly ongoing support, providing financial security for life.
With this level of wealth, Rhodes has the freedom to live comfortably without working, pursue charitable interests, or engage in any activities she chooses without economic constraints.
Lifestyle
Despite likely substantial wealth, Jill Rhodes appears to maintain a relatively low-profile lifestyle. There are no reports of extravagant spending, high-profile socializing, or ostentatious displays of wealth. Her discretion extends to her financial life as well as her personal life.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Minimal Media Presence
Jill Rhodes represents a rarity in modern celebrity culture—someone connected to a major public figure who successfully maintains almost complete privacy. Her absence from media coverage is so thorough that many people aware of Sean Hannity don’t even know he was previously married.
This minimal media presence is partly by design (her consistent refusal to engage with media) and partly by lack of newsworthiness (she provides no scandals, controversies, or public statements to report).
Respect for Privacy
Unlike some ex-spouses of celebrities who face intrusive media attention despite their wishes, Rhodes has largely been left alone by tabloids and gossip media. This may reflect both her thorough privacy and recognition that she offers no dramatic storylines.
Her dignified handling of divorce and subsequent privacy has earned quiet respect from those aware of her story, even if that respect isn’t widely publicized.
Relationship with Hannity Family
Co-Parenting
Reports suggest that Jill Rhodes and Sean Hannity maintain a functional co-parenting relationship focused on their adult children. Both parents attend important family events when appropriate, and both remain involved in Patrick and Merri Kelly’s lives.
This successful co-parenting after divorce demonstrates maturity from both parties and prioritization of their children’s wellbeing over any personal animosity.
Extended Family
Jill’s relationship with Sean’s extended family (parents, siblings) after divorce is unknown. Given the length of the marriage and the couple’s children together, some relationships may persist, though this remains private.
Similarly, Jill’s own family relationships and support system remain undocumented publicly, though she presumably maintains connections to family and friends who provide support and companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Jill Rhodes?
Jill Rhodes is 63 years old, born on August 27, 1962. She is approximately one year older than her ex-husband Sean Hannity, who was born in December 1961.
Is Jill Rhodes married?
No, Jill Rhodes is not currently married. She divorced Sean Hannity in 2019 (announced publicly in 2020), and there is no public information suggesting she has remarried or is in a new relationship.
Where is Jill Rhodes from?
Jill Rhodes is from Montgomery, Alabama. She attended the University of Alabama and worked as a journalist in Alabama before meeting Sean Hannity in the early 1990s.
Does Jill Rhodes have children?
Yes, Jill Rhodes has two children with her ex-husband Sean Hannity: son Patrick (born 1998) and daughter Merri Kelly (born 2002). Both are now adults in their twenties as of 2026.
Why did Jill Rhodes and Sean Hannity divorce?
The specific reasons for Jill Rhodes and Sean Hannity’s divorce have never been publicly disclosed. The couple announced the divorce was amicable and that they had been separated for several years before finalizing it in 2019.
What is Jill Rhodes’ net worth?
Jill Rhodes’ exact net worth is unknown, but it is estimated between $20-50 million based on her likely divorce settlement from Sean Hannity. The actual settlement terms were never publicly disclosed.
Where does Jill Rhodes live?
Jill Rhodes’ current residence is not publicly known, though she is believed to live in the Long Island, New York area where the family resided during her marriage to Sean Hannity.
Conclusion
Jill Rhodes’ story is one of remarkable privacy, dignity, and discretion in an era that rewards and often demands the opposite. Her journey from promising young journalist in Alabama to wife of one of America’s most prominent media figures, and finally to private citizen following divorce, reflects choices about values, priorities, and personal boundaries that deserve respect.
At 63 years old in 2026, Jill Rhodes has successfully navigated one of the most challenging aspects of modern life—maintaining privacy and autonomy while connected to extraordinary public scrutiny through marriage. Her 26-year marriage to Sean Hannity, while ultimately ending in divorce, produced two children and provided the stability that allowed his career to flourish. Her contributions, though largely invisible and unacknowledged, were real and significant.
Following her divorce, Rhodes has continued the privacy that characterized her life during marriage, refusing to capitalize on her connection to Hannity or engage with media attention. This consistency demonstrates genuine commitment to living life on her own terms rather than seeking validation or relevance through public exposure.
Looking forward, Jill Rhodes will likely continue the private life she has carefully constructed and maintained. With financial security, adult children, and freedom from the obligations of being a political spouse, she has the opportunity to pursue whatever brings her fulfillment without public scrutiny. Her story serves as a reminder that not everyone connected to fame desires it for themselves, and that choosing privacy over publicity is a valid and admirable path—one that Jill Rhodes has walked with remarkable consistency and grace.