Jill Rhodes is an American former journalist and political columnist best known as the ex-wife of television and radio host Sean Hannity. She worked for The Huntsville Times before marrying Hannity in 1993. The couple had two children, Patrick and Merri Kelly, and remained married for about 26 years before their divorce was finalized in 2019.
Jill also worked as an editor and reportedly supported Sean’s media work behind the scenes. Since their divorce, she has kept most of her personal life private.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Jill Rhodes |
| Date of birth | August 27, 1962 |
| Age | 64 years old as of 2026 |
| Birthplace | Alabama, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Journalist, political columnist, editor |
| Education | University of Alabama |
| Known for | Journalism career and former marriage to Sean Hannity |
| Ex-husband | Sean Hannity |
| Marriage | 1993–2019 |
| Children | Patrick Hannity and Merri Kelly Hannity |
| Current relationship | Not publicly confirmed |
| Net worth | Not reliably known |
Jill Rhodes’ Age and Early Life
Jill Rhodes was born on August 27, 1962, in Alabama, United States. She is 64 years old as of September 2026.
One secondary source lists Montgomery, Alabama, as her birthplace, but other available sources only identify Alabama.
Little reliable information is publicly available about Jill’s childhood, parents, or siblings.
Her Education
Jill studied journalism at the University of Alabama.
One source reports that she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Her studies prepared her for a career in newspapers and political reporting.
Jill Rhodes’ Journalism Career
Jill began her professional career as a political columnist for The Huntsville Times in Alabama.
Her work involved politics and local news. This career also played an important role in how she met Sean Hannity.
Jill later worked in other areas of media. She reportedly worked as a book editor in Manhattan after moving to New York.
One source also describes her as having experience in radio, including work at WVNN in Huntsville. However, details about her exact radio role are less clearly documented than her newspaper work.
How Jill Rhodes Met Sean Hannity
Jill met Sean Hannity through their media careers in Huntsville, Alabama.
In 1991, Sean was working at radio station WVNN, while Jill was a political columnist at The Huntsville Times.
Sean reportedly called Jill to discuss stories and ask for ideas. Their early connection developed through telephone conversations before they met face-to-face.
They met in person in 1992 at a Huntsville mayoral debate.
Jill later told People that after seeing Sean in person, she believed he was the man she would marry.
Marriage to Sean Hannity
Jill and Sean married in 1993. One secondary source gives their wedding date as January 9, 1993, although the year is more widely reported than the exact date.
After marrying, they moved to New York.
Jill reportedly continued working as an editor for some time before moving away from a more public media career and focusing on her family.
Their marriage lasted about 26 years.
Jill’s Role in Sean Hannity’s Career
Jill also supported Sean professionally during their marriage.
She reportedly provided editorial help and contributed ideas to his media work.
Sean acknowledged Jill’s importance when he dedicated his 2002 book, Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty over Liberalism, to Jill and their children.
Jill Rhodes’ Children
Jill and Sean have two children:
- Patrick Hannity
- Merri Kelly Hannity
Secondary sources disagree about their exact birth years. Patrick is listed as being born in either 1998 or 1999, while Merri is listed as being born in either 2001 or 2002.
Both children have largely kept their personal lives outside mainstream celebrity coverage.
Patrick and Merri Played Tennis
Both Patrick and Merri have been involved in tennis.
They reportedly attended Cold Spring Harbor High School in New York.
Patrick later attended Wake Forest University, where he played tennis.
Merri reportedly attended the University of Michigan and also played tennis. One source says she became the fourth-highest-ranked high school tennis player in New York State.
Jill and Sean Hannity’s Divorce
Jill and Sean separated privately several years before announcing the end of their marriage.
Their divorce was finalized in 2019.
However, they did not publicly announce it until June 2020.
In their joint statement, they said they had reached amicable agreements years earlier and remained focused on the best interests of their children.
They also said they continued to maintain a close relationship as parents.
Jill Rhodes’ Life After Divorce
Jill has kept a low public profile since her divorce.
There is little confirmed information about her current career or daily activities.
She has also not publicly confirmed a new marriage or romantic relationship.
Who Is Sean Hannity?
Sean Hannity is an American television host, radio personality, author, and political commentator.
He was born on December 30, 1961, in New York.
Early in his broadcasting career, Sean worked at WVNN in Huntsville, Alabama, where his connection with Jill began.
He later worked at WGST in Atlanta before receiving a major television opportunity in 1996.
Sean became the co-host of Hannity & Colmes on Fox alongside Alan Colmes. After Colmes left the program, Sean continued with his own show, Hannity.
He is also known for his radio program, The Sean Hannity Show.
His books include Let Freedom Ring, Deliver Us from Evil, and Conservative Victory.
Sean Hannity’s Relationship With Ainsley Earhardt
After his divorce from Jill, Sean developed a relationship with Ainsley Earhardt, a television personality and co-host of Fox & Friends.
The two kept their relationship private for several years.
In December 2024, Sean proposed to Ainsley at their home church in Florida. Their engagement was publicly confirmed during the Christmas holiday.
Both had previously been married and have children from their earlier relationships.
Jill Rhodes’ Net Worth
Jill Rhodes’ personal net worth is not reliably known.
Some secondary websites have estimated her wealth at around $55 million, but there is no reliable financial evidence confirming that amount.
Her known professional background includes journalism, political writing, editing, and editorial work.
Social Media
Jill does not appear to maintain a widely verified public social media presence.
Her limited social media activity matches the private life she has maintained since her divorce.
Interesting Facts
- Jill Rhodes was born on August 27, 1962.
- She is from Alabama.
- She studied journalism at the University of Alabama.
- She worked as a political columnist for The Huntsville Times.
- She reportedly later worked as a book editor in Manhattan.
- Jill met Sean Hannity through their media work in Huntsville.
- They began talking by phone in 1991.
- They first met in person in 1992.
- Jill and Sean married in 1993.
- They have two children, Patrick and Merri Kelly.
- Both of their children have been involved in tennis.
- Sean dedicated his 2002 book Let Freedom Ring to Jill and their children.
- Jill and Sean were married for about 26 years.
- Their divorce was finalized in 2019.
- They publicly announced their divorce in June 2020.
- Jill has not publicly confirmed a new marriage or relationship.
- Her personal net worth is not reliably known.
Explore More:
Shamicka Gibbs: Children, Career and Martin Lawrence’s Ex-Wife,
