By Owner 
Sharon Summerall is a name that carries quiet grace, enduring strength, and a powerful personal story — one that goes beyond red‑carpets and celebrity headlines. While many know her as the wife of Don Henley, the iconic drummer and vocalist of the Eagles, Sharon Summerall is much more than a celebrity spouse. She is a former fashion model, a devoted mother, a partner who stood by her husband in life’s highs and lows, and a woman who faced profound challenges with courage and resilience. Her life, though lived partly in privacy, exemplifies what it means to choose love, family, and inner strength over public acclaim.
Early Life and Background of Sharon Summerall
Roots in Texas and Early Years
Sharon Summerall was born on October 19, 1962, in Texas, United States, into a warm, blue‑collar family where values like hard work, loyalty, and simplicity were part of daily life. Raised alongside her siblings in the vibrant cultural landscape of the Lone Star State, she experienced a childhood grounded in family bonds — a foundation that would influence her choices throughout adulthood.
Although details about her childhood remain relatively private, what stands out is her emerging interest in modeling and the arts at an early age. Her striking features, quiet confidence, and poise hinted that she was destined for more than a traditional path.
Rise in the Fashion World: Sharon Summerall’s Modeling Career
Before she became widely recognized through her personal life, Sharon Summerall built a noteworthy career in the world of fashion. In the 1980s, she stepped into the highly competitive modeling industry and caught the attention of prestigious agencies such as Elite Models in Chicago and Eva Models in Paris.
Her modeling career took her across fashion capitals including Paris, Milan, and New York, where she walked major runways, appeared in editorials, and worked alongside some of the industry’s top talents. What made her stand out was not just her beauty, but her professionalism, discipline, and graceful presence — traits that would later define her role in life beyond the catwalks.
However, just as her modeling journey was gaining momentum, life took an unexpected turn.
A Life‑Altering Challenge: Health and Resilience
In the early 1990s, Sharon received a diagnosis that would profoundly change the course of her life: multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system, often leading to symptoms that vary in severity and duration. For Sharon, this meant stepping away from a career she loved and focusing on her health.
The diagnosis was a defining moment — not just professionally, but personally. Rather than retreating into despair, Sharon navigated this challenge with dignity and fortitude. Her strength in facing a lifelong health condition became a source of inspiration for those who knew her and those who learned of her journey later on.
Meeting Don Henley: A Transformative Love Story
Perhaps the most celebrated chapter in Sharon Summerall’s life is her meeting with Don Henley, co‑founder and lead vocalist of the legendary rock band The Eagles. Their paths crossed in the early 1990s, during a time when both were seeking deeper meaning in life. Henley, having experienced fame, loss, and creative evolution, found in Sharon a partner whose grounded spirit and emotional depth complemented his own journey.
Their relationship blossomed into a deep, enduring love — a rare achievement in an industry often marked by fleeting romances. After a thoughtful courtship, the couple married in May 1995, surrounded by friends, family, and music legends. The wedding was a star‑studded event attended by Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Sting, and others — a testament to the respect Don and Sharon earned among their peers.
Family Life: Sharon Summerall as Wife and Mother
Beyond the glamour of modeling and the spotlight of celebrity, Sharon Summerall found her truest identity in her role as a wife and mother. Together, Sharon and Don have three children: Annabel, Julia Sophia, and Will. The family chose to raise their children away from Hollywood’s glare, prioritizing a grounded upbringing rooted in love, education, and integrity.
For Sharon, motherhood wasn’t about public profiles or social media presence — it was about presence itself, with all its joys, challenges, and everyday moments. Whether attending school events, nurturing family traditions, or simply being at home, she embraced these roles with quiet devotion.
Life in the Public Eye — With Grace and Privacy
Although married to a music legend, Sharon Summerall has intentionally kept much of her life private. Unlike many celebrity partners who pursue their own media careers, she has rarely sought the spotlight. Instead, she appears at public events occasionally — often in support of her husband, family, or charitable causes.
This choice reflects her values — placing authenticity, personal connection, and meaningful experiences above fleeting fame. Her discretion has earned admiration from fans and peers alike, distinguishing her as someone who defines success on her own terms.
Philanthropy and Shared Goals
While she isn’t known for large public campaigns, Sharon shares with her husband a passion for philanthropy — particularly in areas related to health, environmental causes, and community engagement. Don Henley’s long‑standing advocacy for environmental preservation through initiatives like the Walden Woods Project has often included Sharon’s support behind the scenes.
Together, their efforts reflect a shared commitment to making a positive impact beyond music and entertainment — focusing on causes that matter deeply to them and their family.
Legacy of Sharon Summerall
So what does the story of Sharon Summerall teach us? Her life reminds us that true influence isn’t measured by headlines, but by character. She has faced adversity with courage, chosen family over fame, and stood beside the people she loves with unwavering loyalty. These qualities form a legacy that extends far beyond red carpets and magazine covers.
Her journey — from fashion runways to family life, from health challenges to personal triumphs — encourages us to see strength in quiet endurance, beauty in resilience, and success in choosing authenticity.
Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Sharon Summerall
In an age when personal stories are shared at lightning speed, the life of Sharon Summerall stands out not for its publicity, but for its purpose. She is a woman who walked runways with elegance, faced life’s toughest challenges with courage, and built a family grounded in love and authenticity. Above all, her legacy lies in how she has lived: with dignity, devotion, and steadfast resilience. For anyone seeking inspiration in resilience, love, and quiet strength, her story remains a testament to the power of choosing what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Sharon Summerall?
Sharon Summerall is a former international fashion model and the long‑time wife of Don Henley, co‑founder of the Eagles.
2. What happened to Sharon Summerall’s modeling career?
Her professional modeling career was cut short after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the early 1990s.
3. How did Sharon Summerall and Don Henley meet?
They met in the early 1990s and later married in 1995 after developing a deep and enduring relationship.
4. How many children do Sharon and Don have?
The couple has three children: Annabel, Julia Sophia, and Will.
5. Does Sharon Summerall stay involved in public life?
She maintains a mostly private life, occasionally appearing in public for family or charitable occasions.