Sean Hannity, a prominent figure in conservative media, has navigated a public career spanning decades, often keeping his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships, relatively private. Yet, his journey has included a long-standing marriage and a recently confirmed, high-profile engagement, both shaping different chapters of his life. His romantic history, while not always in the glaring spotlight, reflects significant personal milestones alongside his professional ascent.
Hannity's first significant public relationship began in the early 1990s with Jill Rhodes, a political columnist for The Huntsville Times in Alabama. They reportedly met in 1991 when Hannity, then working his first major radio gig at WVNN in Huntsville, would call Rhodes for story ideas. Their connection quickly deepened, leading to a proposal and marriage.
The couple married in 1993, embarking on a union that would last over two decades. Despite some initial skepticism from friends and even their pastor, who reportedly questioned their compatibility due to a heated debate during pre-marital counseling, they proceeded with their wedding. Jill Rhodes largely maintained a private profile throughout their marriage, rarely appearing at public events with Hannity, preferring to focus on their family life.
During their marriage, Sean and Jill welcomed two children: a son, Sean Patrick, and a daughter, Merri Kelly. Hannity often acknowledged his family's importance, dedicating his 2002 book, Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty Over Liberalism, to Jill and their children, stating they “make my life complete and happy on more levels than I can explain.”
After 26 years of marriage, Sean Hannity and Jill Rhodes quietly divorced in 2019. The news was not publicly confirmed until June 2020, when the former couple released a joint statement to People magazine. > “Sean and Jill are committed to working together for the best interests of their children,” the statement read, adding that “Amicable agreements were entered into over four years ago between Sean and Jill. They maintain a close relationship as parents to their children.” This indicated a separation period before the official divorce.
The divorce was reportedly amicable, with both prioritizing their adult children's well-being. Sources close to the family indicated that Hannity and Rhodes remained on good terms and continued to co-parent effectively, often attending family dinners and their children's events together, demonstrating a mature and respectful post-marital relationship.
Following his divorce, rumors began to circulate in 2019 about a potential romantic relationship between Sean Hannity and fellow Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt. Earhardt, co-host of Fox & Friends, had also finalized her divorce from her second husband, Will Proctor, in 2019. Both Hannity and Earhardt initially denied or declined to comment on the speculation, with Earhardt stating, > “Right now I am focused on raising my daughter and I am not dating anyone. As anyone at Fox News will tell you, Sean is a wonderful person and whomever he chooses to date will be extremely fortunate.” Hannity similarly stated he did “not discuss my personal life in public.”
Despite their efforts to keep their relationship private, various public sightings and reports fueled the rumors. In August 2019, they were seen arriving together at a wedding at Trump National Golf Course. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vanity Fair reported that Earhardt was hosting her Fox & Friends program from a remote studio in the basement of Hannity's Long Island mansion, further suggesting a close connection.
The relationship became more publicly evident in April 2023, when the Daily Mail published exclusive photos of the couple on dates, including at a Waffle House in South Carolina and an Oyster Fest in Long Island. These images provided the first tangible confirmation of their long-rumored romance, showing them as a blended family unit. It was reported that they had been quietly dating “for years” before these photos surfaced.
Their bond reportedly deepened over a shared deep faith, which both have acknowledged as a significant foundation for their relationship. Despite Hannity residing in Florida and Earhardt being based in New York, they have made their long-distance relationship work through frequent weekend trips and maintaining a strong connection.
In a significant development, Sean Hannity proposed to Ainsley Earhardt over Christmas 2024 at their home church. This engagement marked a new chapter for both personalities. According to Fox News, the couple bonded over their shared religious beliefs, making the church “the perfect place” for the proposal. They met with their minister shortly after the engagement, solidifying their commitment.
Both Hannity's and Earhardt's children from their previous marriages are reportedly overjoyed and supportive of their parents' union. The couple emphasized that they maintain amicable relationships with their ex-spouses, and that their respective former partners were made aware of the engagement ahead of time, underscoring a continued focus on family harmony.
Sean Hannity's romantic life has evolved from a long and private marriage to a publicly confirmed and celebrated engagement. His relationships with both Jill Rhodes and Ainsley Earhardt highlight different aspects of his personal journey, from building a family quietly to finding a new partnership rooted in shared values, all while maintaining a prominent public profile.