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62-year-old Sean Hannity, a Fox News host, got engaged to the co-host of Fox & Friends, 48-year-old Ainsley Earhardt. As the couple enters a new phase, let's take a look at what happened in Sean Hannity's first marriage to Jill Rhodes, with whom he shares two kids—son Sean Patrick and daughter Merri Kelly.
The Sun reports that Sean Hannity and his ex-wife Jill Rhodes separated for two years before finally divorcing in June 2019 after more than two decades of marriage. In an old interview, a close friend of the couple told the Daily Mail that Sean and Jill's divorce was primarily attributed to Sean's demanding work schedule and the strain it placed on their marriage. The friend said:
"Personally, the reason for the divorce, Sean does three hours of radio each day in the city, followed by TV in primetime; his workload created a lot of time away, and it was tough on the marriage. Sean's a huge family man, this was hard on him."
They further mentioned,
"Sean came from nothing, had a workaholic upbringing, and between his shows, books, speeches, he just didn't slow down; it unfortunately broke his marriage."
As a prominent media personality, Sean Hannity dedicated long hours to his radio show, primetime TV appearances, books, and public speaking engagements, leaving little time for family life. Despite Sean being described as a devoted family man, the intense workload created a significant imbalance, ultimately leading to their separation.
According to close friends, the split was amicable, and the former couple continues to maintain a strong co-parenting relationship for their two children, Patrick and Merri Kelly. They still spend time together as a family, and their dynamic remains friendly and supportive.
Additionally, Jill's brother continues to work on Sean's TV show, further highlighting the ongoing positive ties between the former partners and their families. Sources have also clarified that neither party was involved with other individuals during their separation.
Who is Jill Rhodes? More about Sean Hannity's ex-wife
Jill Rhodes, born on August 27, 1962, in Alabama, is a journalist and editor best known for her long-standing relationship with conservative media personality Sean Hannity. She earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Alabama, setting the stage for a career that would intertwine with one of America’s most prominent political commentators.
In 1991, Jill was working as a political columnist for the Huntsville Times when she met Sean Hannity, who was hosting his first major radio gig at WVNN in Huntsville, Alabama. Their connection was immediate, with Hannity admitting he was drawn to her even before meeting her in person, saying he
"fell in love with the little picture in her column."
Their relationship blossomed, and after Hannity relocated to Atlanta for a new radio opportunity in 1992, he asked Rhodes to join him. However, Jill set a condition: a proposal had to come first. They married in January 1993 despite early skepticism from friends, colleagues, and even their pastor, who questioned their compatibility after a heated debate during pre-marital counseling.
Jill played an integral role in Sean Hannity's career. She worked as an advisor and editor for both his radio and television political shows, helping shape his media presence. Hannity has previously referred to Rhodes as "the brains behind his success" and acknowledged her pivotal contributions to his professional journey.
The couple shares two children: Sean Patrick and Merri Kelly. Both have pursued tennis careers, with Patrick playing for Wake Forest University and Merri Kelly currently competing at the University of Michigan. Despite their father’s public persona, the children and Jill herself have largely remained out of the spotlight.
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In his 2002 book, Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty Over Liberalism, Hannity dedicated his work to Jill and their children, acknowledging their importance in his life.
Jill Rhodes has consistently kept a quiet presence in the public eye. She has stayed away from social media sites like Instagram and Twitter, and she has seldom appeared in public with Sean Hannity at Fox News events.
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