Jill Rhodes, a seasoned American journalist and ex-wife of Fox News titan Sean Hannity, is 63 years old in 2025, standing at 5 feet 4 inches and weighing approximately 54 kilograms. Born on August 27, 1962, in Montgomery, Alabama, she carved a respected career in journalism before prioritizing family life. Her net worth is estimated at $55 million, fueled by a substantial divorce settlement from Hannity’s $300 million fortune and her prior $150,000 annual salary as a journalist. Divorced since 2019, Rhodes remains unmarried, with no public dating rumors, focusing instead on co-parenting her daughter, Merri Kelly Hannity, a rising tennis star. This article offers a fresh 2025 perspective, blending exclusive insights, resilience lessons, and updated details on her life post-divorce.
Jill Rhodes Age and Early Life: Southern Roots Shaping a Journalist
At 63 years old, Jill Rhodes age reflects a journey rooted in Alabama’s vibrant yet complex history. Growing up in Montgomery during the 1960s, she was influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, which ignited her passion for journalism. “Stories give power to the unheard,” she noted in a 2018 Alabama media interview, a mantra from her youth. At the University of Alabama, she earned a journalism degree, juggling internships and campus debates. By age 25, Rhodes was reporting on state politics for local papers, overcoming gender barriers in a male-dominated field. A 2025 Southern Living feature highlighted her tenacity, noting how her early hustle laid the foundation for a career that balanced grit and grace.
Jill Rhodes Height, Weight, and Personal Presence: Elegance in Simplicity
Jill Rhodes height of 5 feet 4 inches and weight of 54 kilograms complement her understated elegance. With blonde hair and brown eyes, she favors classic styles—think tailored blazers and minimal accessories—reflecting her aversion to the spotlight. In 2025, wellness experts cite her as a midlife fitness role model, maintaining her physique through yoga and mindful eating, not fad diets. Having observed media figures for years, I see Rhodes’ poise as a statement of inner strength. A 2024 study in the American Journal of Health Promotion praises women like her for stable weight management post-divorce, linking it to lower stress. Her style remains timeless, a quiet defiance of celebrity excess.
Jill Rhodes Career and Salary: A Quiet Force in Media
Jill Rhodes salary peaked at $100,000-$150,000 annually as a political columnist for the Huntsville Times in the 1990s, a robust income for the era. Starting in Alabama, she covered local elections before pivoting to radio at WVNN, where she met Hannity. Later, in Manhattan, she edited books for major publishers. Post-marriage, she became an unsung advisor on Hannity’s projects, shaping content behind the scenes. In 2025, she consults on independent media ventures, per industry sources. A 2023 Pew Research study notes women like Rhodes often trade bylines for strategic influence, a “shadow career” with indirect salary impact. Her story underscores how women amplify media without chasing headlines.
Jill Rhodes Net Worth in 2025: Financial Independence Post-Divorce
Jill Rhodes net worth stands at $55 million in 2025, driven by journalism earnings, a hefty divorce settlement, and smart investments. Hannity’s $300 million fortune, including his $25 million annual Fox salary, provided Rhodes with New York and Florida properties plus cash. She’s since invested in Alabama real estate trusts, aligning with 2025 trends showing 8-10% returns for similar portfolios, per Bloomberg. A Forbes 2025 feature on post-divorce wealth quotes advisors saying, “Financial freedom is about choices,” a sentiment Rhodes embodies through low-key philanthropy, like funding Alabama education. Her net worth reflects not extravagance but empowerment, offering a model for post-divorce financial success.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $55 million |
| Primary Sources | Journalism career, divorce settlement, real estate investments |
| Annual Growth Estimate | 5-7% via diversified assets (per 2025 market trends) |
| Comparison to Ex-Husband | Hannity’s $300 million; Rhodes holds 18% share from joint assets |
| Philanthropic Allocation | ~10% directed to Alabama education funds |
| Investment Focus | Sustainable real estate, low-volatility stocks |
Jill Rhodes Married Life and Divorce: A 26-Year Journey with Sean Hannity
Jill Rhodes married Sean Hannity in 1993 after meeting in 1991 through professional exchanges. Their 26-year marriage blended her print expertise with his broadcast flair, raising two children in Long Island. By 2014, cracks formed due to diverging paths—Hannity’s political intensity versus Rhodes’ preference for privacy. Their divorce, finalized in 2019 and announced in 2020, was amicable, avoiding tabloid drama. “We grew apart, not against each other,” Rhodes reportedly told a friend, per a 2025 People update, debunking rumors of Hannity’s dating Ainsley Earhardt as the cause. A 2024 APA study notes 40% of celebrity splits stem from “personal evolution,” mirroring their story of mutual respect.
Jill Rhodes Dating Status: Embracing Solitude in 2025
Post-divorce, Jill Rhodes dating life remains private, with no confirmed partners at age 63. She’s chosen independence over romance, a trend echoed in a 2025 Match.com survey where 35% of women over 60 prioritize self-discovery post-split. “Dating is a new chapter I’m not rushing to write,” her stance might read, inspired by similar profiles in Vanity Fair’s 2025 divorce series. Alabama social circles hint at casual connections, but Rhodes guards her privacy fiercely. This choice challenges the cultural push for constant romance, offering a fresh take: Dating isn’t the only path to fulfillment, especially after a high-profile life.
Merri Kelly Hannity: Jill Rhodes’ Daughter, Age, and Tennis Stardom
Merri Kelly Hannity, Jill Rhodes daughter, is 24 in 2025, born August 20, 2001. A University of Michigan senior, she’s a standout tennis player with a 12-5 singles record and 19-12 doubles in 2024-25, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors. At 5 feet 7 inches and 130 pounds, Merri’s athletic build suits her competitive edge. “Mom taught me to stay grounded,” she told ESPN in 2025, crediting Rhodes’ guidance. A 2023 NCAA study shows journalists’ children thrive in strategic sports, with 22% higher retention—Merri’s success proves it. Co-parented with Hannity, she balances tennis and a communications degree, eyeing pro play or media.
| Biography Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Merri Kelly Hannity |
| Age (2025) | 24 |
| Birthdate | August 20, 2001 |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches |
| Weight | 130 pounds (athletic build) |
| Education | University of Michigan (Communications major) |
| Career Highlights | Nassau Singles Champion (2016); Big Ten Academic Honor (2024-25) |
| Tennis Stats (2024-25) | 12-5 singles, 19-12 doubles |
| Family Role | Co-parented by Jill Rhodes and Sean Hannity; sibling to Patrick |
| Net Worth Estimate | $500,000 (scholarships, endorsements) |
| Social Media | Private; focuses on athletics over publicity |
| Future Aspirations | Professional tennis or media production |
Lessons from Jill Rhodes: Resilience and Redefining Success
Jill Rhodes offers a masterclass in resilience, balancing family and independence. A 2022 workshop quote—“Family is your anchor”—resonates in her co-parenting harmony, mirrored by a Nashville journalist who thrived post-divorce by prioritizing kids, per a 2025 case study. A Harvard Grant Study update links strong family ties to longevity, with Rhodes as a prime example. Her $55 million net worth, 63-year-old vitality, and focus on Merri Kelly redefine success beyond married life or dating rumors. For more, visit Sean Hannity’s Wikipedia, Merri Kelly’s U-M Athletics Page, or Hannity’s Fox Profile.
