Sean Hannity’s Family Life, Relationships, and Closest Friends: All the Essential Facts
Sean Hannity is known for his long career in broadcasting, building relationships in both media and politics. His family has played a central part in his life, along with friendships forged over the years. From his early years in New York to national television, his life has often included both close friends and strong family connections.
Family Members and Background
| Name | Relation | Birth Year |
|---|---|---|
| Hugh Hannity | Father | 1931 |
| Lillian Flynn Hannity | Mother | 1932 |
| Patrick Hannity | Brother | 1958 |
| Jillian Hannity | Sister | 1964 |
| Merri Kelly Hannity | Daughter | 2002 |
| Sean Patrick Hannity | Son | 1999 |
Sean Hannity grew up in New York City as the youngest of four children. His father, Hugh Hannity, worked as a family-court officer, and his mother, Lillian Flynn Hannity, was a stenographer and corrections officer. Growing up in a working-class family shaped much of his early life and outlook.
Sean is no longer married. He married Jill Rhodes on January 9, 1993. They met in 1991, when Hannity was working at a radio station in Huntsville, Alabama, and Rhodes was a political columnist. Their wedding took place in 1993.
Together, they had two children: their son, Sean Patrick Hannity, born in 1999, and their daughter, Merri Kelly Hannity, born in 2002. Both children are biological. As for his siblings, Patrick Hannity is his older brother and Jillian Hannity is his younger sister. Details about their occupations are not widely publicized.
Relationships Beyond Family
| Name | Relationship Type | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Jill Rhodes | Ex-Wife | 1993–2020 |
| Ainsley Earhardt | Girlfriend | 2019–present |
Sean Hannity’s most known relationship was with Jill Rhodes. She is a journalist and author from Alabama. They met through their professional circles; Hannity was at a Huntsville radio station, and Rhodes was working for a local newspaper.
Their marriage lasted over two decades. The couple announced their divorce in 2020 after reportedly separating for a while. Rhodes is known for her work in journalism and her time managing family life alongside her career. She and Hannity maintained a private life during much of their marriage.
Since 2019, Hannity has reportedly been in a relationship with Ainsley Earhardt, a fellow Fox News host. Like Hannity, Earhardt is known for her career in television journalism. The relationship became public after his divorce, though both have chosen to keep much of their personal life away from the spotlight.
Friends and Longtime Connections
| Name | Known Since | Profession |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Levin | 1990s | Radio Host |
| Rush Limbaugh (deceased) | 1990s | Radio Host |
| Newt Gingrich | 2000s | Politician |
| Laura Ingraham | 1990s | Radio/TV Host |
Sean Hannity has built strong friendships over his career, especially within media and political circles. Mark Levin, another conservative radio host, became a close friend in the 1990s, sharing both common professional interests and personal support.
Rush Limbaugh, a prominent talk radio personality, and Hannity were friends for years. Their friendship grew from frequent collaboration and mutual respect. Hannity often credited Limbaugh with influencing his own success.
Newt Gingrich, the former Speaker of the House, became a friend in the 2000s, often appearing on Hannity’s shows. Their relationship blended professional alliance with personal camaraderie. Laura Ingraham and Hannity have maintained a steady friendship since the 1990s, often working together and supporting each other’s careers, and there are no public reports of any significant falling outs among these friendships.
