Sharon Summerall’s Decades-Long Battle: 5 Key Facts About Her Multiple Sclerosis And Current Life In 2025

The health journey of Sharon Summerall, the resilient wife of Eagles co-founder Don Henley, has been a subject of public interest and curiosity for decades, particularly as she manages a chronic, challenging neurological condition. As of early 2025, Sharon Summerall continues to live a private life focused on her family and the long-term management of her illness, a commitment that has defined her life since the early 1990s.

Her story is one of profound transition: moving from a thriving international modeling career to a life centered on family, health, and quiet strength. The diagnosis she received was a significant turning point, but her steadfast marriage to Don Henley and their shared commitment to privacy have allowed her to navigate the complexities of her condition away from the constant public gaze.

Sharon Summerall: A Complete Biography and Profile

Sharon Summerall is best known as the wife of legendary musician Don Henley, but her own life story is marked by a successful career and immense personal resilience. Her decision to step away from the spotlight was a direct result of her health challenges, yet her influence on Henley’s life and music remains profound.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• Full Name: Sharon Summerall Henley
• Date of Birth: October 19, 1962
• Age (as of 2025): 62
• Birthplace: Hollywood, California (raised in Dallas, Texas)
• Parents: Charles Summerall and Kathryn Sue Summerall
• Spouse: Don Henley (married May 20, 1995)
• Children: Annabel Henley, Julia Henley, and Will Henley (three children)
• Former Profession: International Fashion Model (represented by the Kim Dawson Agency)
• Known For: Her marriage to Don Henley and her battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

The Diagnosis That Halted a Thriving Modeling Career

Sharon Summerall was a prominent figure in the fashion world, enjoying a successful career as an international model. This demanding profession required constant travel, physical vitality, and a high-energy lifestyle. However, her life took an unexpected and dramatic turn in the early 1990s.

The pivotal moment came with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This chronic, unpredictable disease affects the central nervous system, disrupting the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and the body.

The specific form of her illness is Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). RRMS is characterized by clearly defined attacks (relapses) of new or increasing neurological symptoms, followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions).

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Symptoms of MS can include debilitating fatigue, vision problems, muscle weakness, trouble with coordination and balance, and chronic pain. For a fashion model, these symptoms were career-ending. The physical demands of the industry were no longer sustainable, leading Sharon to step away from her public career to focus entirely on managing her health.

Relapsing-Remitting MS: Understanding Sharon Summerall’s Illness

To understand Sharon Summerall’s long-term health management, it is essential to grasp the nature of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). This is the most common form of MS, initially affecting about 85% of people diagnosed with the disease.

The core challenge of RRMS is its unpredictability. A relapse can occur suddenly, causing severe symptoms that may last for days or weeks. Conversely, a remission period can bring a complete or near-complete recovery, making the disease’s progression a constant source of uncertainty.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

The diagnosis required a complete shift in lifestyle and a commitment to ongoing medical treatment. Modern MS management often involves Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) such as Beta-interferon, Glatiramer acetate, or Ocrelizumab, which are designed to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses and slow the accumulation of disability.

While specific details of Sharon’s treatment regimen are private, her decades-long management of the condition underscores the necessity of a structured approach involving medication, physical therapy, and careful lifestyle choices to mitigate the neurological impact of the disease.

Current Status 2025: Family Focus and Don Henley’s Unwavering Support

As of early 2025, Sharon Summerall's life remains largely out of the public eye. Having retreated from the media spotlight years ago, her focus is on her family—her husband, Don Henley, and their three adult children: Annabel, Julia, and Will.

The most recent information available consistently indicates that her life revolves around managing her chronic health condition and supporting her family. The lack of public appearances or recent, specific health updates is typical for high-profile individuals managing long-term, private illnesses.

The Impact on Don Henley’s Music

Sharon’s illness and their relationship have profoundly influenced Don Henley’s creative output, offering a powerful insight into the strength of their bond. Henley famously wrote the song "Everything is Different Now" from his 2000 album, Inside Job, specifically about his wife.

The song is not a lament but a tribute to the transformative power of their love and commitment, acknowledging the shift in perspective that comes with marriage and facing life’s serious challenges together. Henley has often spoken about how marrying Sharon and starting a family grounded him after years of rock-and-roll life, making the stability of their relationship a central theme of his later career.

A Life of Resilience and Privacy

The couple's decision to raise their children away from the intense Hollywood spotlight, relocating to Dallas, Texas, was partly motivated by the desire to provide a stable, private environment. This choice has undoubtedly aided Sharon in managing her Multiple Sclerosis with the peace and consistency required for a chronic illness.

Sharon Summerall’s journey is a powerful example of resilience. While her career was cut short, her life transitioned into a role as a dedicated wife and mother, navigating the challenges of a difficult neurological condition with quiet dignity. Her story continues to resonate with fans, not for the fame she once held, but for the strength she demonstrates in her ongoing, private battle with MS.