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Sean Hannity: New Wife, Net Worth, Fox News, Career & More

Sean Hannity’s Parents, Siblings, and Childhood

By Enoch SaginiPublished 2 months ago • 11 min read
Sean Hannity

Sean Hannity is one of the most recognizable personalities in American conservative media. He has spent nearly three decades at Fox News, where he currently hosts the primetime program Hannity. He is also a nationally syndicated radio host, author, and podcaster.

But in recent years, much of the public interest surrounding Hannity has focused on his personal life—particularly his relationship with fellow Fox News personality Ainsley Earhardt.

Quick Facts About Sean Hannity

 ●      Full name: Sean Patrick Hannity

●      Born: December 30, 1961

●      Age: 64

●      Birthplace: New York City, New York

●      Nationality: American

●      Ethnic background: Irish-American

●      Profession: Television host, radio host, author, and political commentator

●      Current network: Fox News

●      Fox News show: Hannity

●      Joined Fox News: 1996

●      Fiancée: Ainsley Earhardt

●      Engagement: December 2024

●      Former wife: Jill Rhodes

●      Children: Two

●      Height: About 6 ft (1.82 m), according to IMDb

●      Books: Four New York Times bestsellers

How Old Is Sean Hannity?

Sean Hannity was born on December 30, 1961, in New York City.

●      He is 64 years old.

Hannity grew up in Franklin Square on Long Island, New York, in an Irish-American family. His parents were Hugh Hannity Jr. and Lillian Flynn. His father worked in New York City's family court system, while his mother worked as a corrections officer and court stenographer.

What Is Sean Hannity's Full Name?

His full name is Sean Patrick Hannity.

He has used the shorter name Sean Hannity throughout his broadcasting career.

Where Did Sean Hannity Go to College?

Hannity attended several colleges but did not graduate with a college degree.

He studied at:

●      Adelphi University

●      New York University

●      University of California, Santa Barbara

While at UC Santa Barbara, he began pursuing radio broadcasting, which ultimately became his career. Biography.com reports that Hannity volunteered as a talk-show host at the university's radio station in 1989.

How Did Sean Hannity Start His Career?

Hannity's professional broadcasting career began in radio.

In 1989, he became a volunteer host at KCSB, the college radio station at UC Santa Barbara.

After leaving the station, he moved into professional radio, eventually working at stations including:

●      WVNN in Huntsville, Alabama

●      WGST in Atlanta

●      WABC in New York

His time at WGST proved particularly important because it eventually put him on the radar of people involved with the newly launched Fox News Channel.

When Did Sean Hannity Join Fox News?

Sean Hannity joined Fox News Channel in September 1996, the same year the network launched.

He initially became the co-host of Hannity & Colmes alongside liberal commentator Alan Colmes.

The program placed Hannity's conservative commentary opposite Colmes' liberal perspective.

Fox News describes Hannity as one of the network's original personalities. He has now spent approximately 30 years at Fox News.

What Happened to Hannity & Colmes?

Hannity & Colmes ran from 1996 until 2009.

The program became one of Fox News' early successful primetime shows.

After Alan Colmes departed, the program was reworked into a solo show simply called Hannity.

The current Hannity program launched as a solo hour in January 2009.

Fox News Show

Today, Hannity hosts Hannity on Fox News.

The program airs weeknights at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.

The show combines:

●      Political commentary

●      Interviews

●      Breaking-news coverage

●      Conservative analysis

●      Discussions with political figures

●      Hannity's opening monologue

Fox News describes him as one of the network's most prominent conservative voices.

How Long Has Sean Hannity Been at Fox News?

Hannity joined Fox News in 1996 and remains there in 2026.

That means he has been with the network for approximately 30 years.

Fox News has described him as the longest-running current primetime host in cable news history. In 2022, the network announced that he had surpassed Larry King's previous record for longevity as a primetime cable-news host.

His longevity is particularly notable because he has remained a primetime host through several generations of cable-news personalities.

Radio Career

Television is only one part of Hannity's media empire.

He is also the longtime host of The Sean Hannity Show, a nationally syndicated radio program.

Fox News currently says the program is syndicated to more than 675 stations and reaches a large national audience.

His radio career has earned him multiple honors, including NAB Marconi Radio Awards and recognition from Talkers Magazine.

Podcast

Hannity expanded his digital-media presence in 2026 with Hang Out With Sean Hannity.

Fox News says the podcast premiered on YouTube in March 2026.

The program allows Hannity to conduct longer conversations with people from politics, sports, business and popular culture.

This gives him another platform beyond traditional television and radio.

Who Is Sean Hannity's New Wife?

This requires an important clarification.

Ainsley Earhardt is Sean Hannity's fiancée, not his confirmed wife.

The couple announced their engagement on December 26, 2024, after Hannity proposed to Earhardt at their church in Florida.

Reputable recent reporting continues to describe Earhardt as Hannity's fiancée, meaning there is no reliable public confirmation that they have married.

Who Is Ainsley Earhardt?

Ainsley Earhardt is a television personality and longtime Fox News host.

She joined Fox News in 2007 and became a co-host of Fox & Friends in 2016. She also hosts Ainsley's Bible Study on Fox Nation.

Her relationship with Hannity attracted considerable media attention because both are prominent Fox News personalities.

The two had reportedly known each other professionally for years before their relationship became public.

When Did Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt Start Dating?

The exact beginning of their relationship has not been publicly established with complete certainty.

People reported that sources in their circle said the two had been quietly dating for years before their relationship became public.

The pair ultimately confirmed their relationship when they announced their engagement in December 2024.

In 2026, Hannity gave a rare interview about their relationship and said they share similar values and enjoy spending time together with their families.

How Did Sean Hannity Propose to Ainsley Earhardt?

Hannity proposed to Earhardt at their church in Florida during the Christmas holiday in 2024.

The couple said their shared faith was an important part of their relationship and that their church was the perfect setting for the proposal.

Earhardt said yes.

The couple subsequently announced that their families and children were supportive of the engagement.

Has Sean Hannity Married Ainsley Earhardt?

There is no reliable public confirmation of a wedding as of August 2026.

Recent 2026 reporting continues to call Earhardt Hannity's fiancée.

Who Was Sean Hannity's First Wife?

Before Ainsley Earhardt, Hannity was married to Jill Rhodes.

Rhodes was a journalist whom Hannity met while he was working in Huntsville, Alabama.

They married in 1993.

The couple remained together for more than two decades before divorcing. Their divorce was publicly announced in 2020, although they had reportedly separated earlier.

Why Did Sean Hannity and Jill Rhodes Divorce?

The precise reasons for their divorce have not been publicly disclosed in detail.

The former couple said they had separated years earlier and had reached amicable arrangements.

They also emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their children and maintaining a close relationship as parents.

How Many Children Does Sean Hannity Have?

Sean Hannity has two children from his marriage to Jill Rhodes:

●      Patrick Hannity

●      Merri Kelly Hannity

Patrick was born in 1998, while Merri Kelly was born in 2001.

Both have largely lived outside the intense spotlight surrounding their father.

Who Is Sean Hannity's Son?

Hannity's son is generally identified in reliable sources as Patrick Hannity.

Patrick attended Wake Forest University, where he played tennis.

His father has spoken about wanting both of his children to pursue their own interests rather than simply follow in his footsteps.

Who Is Sean Hannity's Daughter?

His daughter is Merri Kelly Hannity.

She attended the University of Michigan, where she played collegiate tennis.

Merri Kelly has also earned academic recognition during her university career.

Does Ainsley Earhardt Have Children?

Yes.

Ainsley Earhardt has a daughter named Hayden from her previous marriage to former Clemson quarterback Will Proctor.

That means Hannity and Earhardt are preparing to combine two families: Hannity has two adult children, while Earhardt has one daughter.

Hannity said in 2026 that his children have been supportive of his relationship with Earhardt.

Family Background

Hannity was born into a family of Irish-American heritage.

His parents were:

●      Hugh Hannity Jr.

●      Lillian Flynn

His father worked in the New York City family court system.

His mother worked as a corrections officer and court stenographer.

Hannity was the youngest child and the only son in his immediate family.

Is Sean Hannity Irish?

Hannity has publicly been described as Irish-American.

His parents were the children of Irish immigrants, and he grew up in a Catholic household on Long Island.

What Religion Is Sean Hannity?

Hannity was raised Roman Catholic.

Over the years, he has spoken publicly about his Christian faith.

He has also discussed changes in his relationship with organized religion as he grew older.

His shared Christian beliefs have reportedly been an important part of his relationship with Ainsley Earhardt.

Books

Hannity is also a bestselling author.

His books include:

Let Freedom Ring

Published in 2002, this book presents Hannity's political arguments concerning American liberty and conservatism.

Deliver Us from Evil

Published in 2004, the book focuses on terrorism, political ideology and Hannity's broader political worldview.

Conservative Victory

Published in 2010, it addresses conservative politics during the Obama era.

Live Free or Die

Published in 2020, the book examines American politics and Hannity's views on the direction of the country.

Fox News currently identifies all four as New York Times bestsellers.

Awards and Recognition

Hannity has received numerous honors for his radio career.

Among them are:

●      NAB Marconi Radio Awards

●      Radio & Records National Talk Show Host of the Year

●      Talkers Magazine's Top 100 Talk Hosts recognition

●      National Radio Hall of Fame induction

He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2017.

Net Worth

Celebrity Net Worth currently gives figures ranging from $250 million in its headline section to $300 million in its detailed discussion, illustrating why online net-worth numbers should not be treated as official financial statements.

His wealth comes from several sources, including:

●      Fox News

●      Syndicated radio

●      Books

●      Real estate

●      Other media ventures

How Much Does Sean Hannity Make?

Forbes estimated Sean Hannity's 2025 television-host earnings at approximately $25 million.

Forbes also reported that Hannity's ownership stake in his syndicated radio program generates more than $30 million annually.

These figures are important because they show that Hannity's income does not come exclusively from Fox News.

His television, radio, and other business interests contribute to his overall earnings.

However, a precise current annual income should not be presented as a confirmed figure because his contracts and financial statements are private.

Sean Hannity's Real Estate Investments

Hannity has also accumulated substantial real-estate holdings.

Past reporting has linked him to a large portfolio of residential properties.

Celebrity Net Worth, citing earlier reporting, has estimated the value of his real-estate holdings at approximately $90 million, although these figures are not independently verified by financial disclosures.

Hannity has also owned high-value properties in New York and Florida.

How Tall Is Sean Hannity?

Sean Hannity's height is commonly listed at approximately 6 feet (1.82 metres).

Sean Hannity's Political Career

Hannity has never been a conventional political reporter in the same mold as a neutral news correspondent.

He is primarily a conservative political commentator.

His television and radio programs are built around his political opinions, interviews and analysis.

He has become particularly closely associated with Republican politics and has been an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump.

Fox News describes him as one of the most influential conservative voices in American media.

Sean Hannity and Donald Trump

Hannity has developed a particularly close public relationship with Donald Trump.

He has interviewed Trump repeatedly and has frequently defended Trump's policies and political agenda on his programs.

During the 2026 U.S.-China summit, Fox News reported that Hannity anchored his show from Beijing and conducted the first interview with Trump following Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

This illustrates the unusual level of access Hannity has developed to major political figures.

Sean Hannity's Career Timeline

Year    Career milestone

1961    Born in New York City

1989    Began radio career at UC Santa Barbara's KCSB

Early 1990s     Worked at WVNN in Alabama and WGST in Atlanta

1996    Joined Fox News

1996–2009      Co-hosted Hannity & Colmes

2002    Published Let Freedom Ring

2004    Published Deliver Us from Evil

2009    Launched solo Hannity program

2010    Published Conservative Victory

2017    Inducted into National Radio Hall of Fame

2019    Hannity and Jill Rhodes' divorce was finalized

2020    Published Live Free or Die

2022    Became longest-running primetime cable-news host in television history

2024    Engaged to Ainsley Earhardt

2026    Launched Hang Out With Sean Hannity podcast

Current Career

Hannity remains one of Fox News' most prominent personalities.

His main television program continues to air on weeknights at 9 p.m. ET.

He also continues his syndicated radio program and has expanded into podcasting.

Fox News says his Hannity program currently averages more than 3 million viewers per night and routinely ranks among the top five programs in cable news.

Conclusion

Sean Hannity has built one of the longest-lasting careers in American cable news.

He joined Fox News in 1996, initially as half of Hannity & Colmes, and later became the sole host of Hannity. Three decades later, he remains a major Fox News primetime personality.

His career extends beyond television. Hannity has a nationally syndicated radio program, has written four New York Times bestsellers, and, in 2026, expanded further into digital media with Hang Out With Sean Hannity.

His personal life has also entered a new chapter. After divorcing Jill Rhodes, the mother of his two children, Hannity began a relationship with fellow Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt. The couple announced their engagement in December 2024 after keeping their relationship private for years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are Hannity and Trump friends?

Yes. Sean Hannity and Donald Trump have a long-standing relationship and are widely described as friends and political allies. Their relationship developed over many years, and Hannity has been a prominent supporter of Trump and a frequent interviewer of him on Fox News. Trump has also publicly referred to Hannity as a friend.

2. Do Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt live together?

No, they have not been living together full-time. Hannity moved permanently to Florida in January 2024, while Earhardt has continued living in New York with her daughter. The couple has maintained a long-distance relationship despite being engaged.

3. Who is Sean Hannity's partner now?

Sean Hannity's partner and fiancée is Ainsley Earhardt, his fellow Fox News personality. The couple publicly announced their engagement in December 2024 after being in a relationship for several years. They have continued their relationship while living in separate states.

4. What illness does Sean Hannity have?

Sean Hannity recently addressed health concerns after viewers noticed a puffy face and raspy voice during his Fox News appearances. He said he had developed a painful pinched nerve in his neck while training and was prescribed prednisone to reduce inflammation. He explained that the medication caused temporary facial puffiness and laryngitis. Hannity said he was recovering well and remained active, and he has not announced a serious chronic illness associated with the recent symptoms.

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    Written by Enoch Sagini