Before His Romance and Engagement with Ainsley Earhardt, Sean Hannity Was Married to Jill Rhodes, and Together They Share Two Children While Sean Hannity’s personal life has recently been the subject of much public attention, his two children, Patrick and Merri, have stayed largely out of the spotlight—yet their story is fascinating in its own right. Sean and his ex-wife, Jill Rhodes, share two children who are each following their own paths to success. Despite their famous father, Patrick and Merri have maintained a relatively low profile, but they're certainly not hidden from view. Their achievements and unique journeys are something their proud parents, Sean and Jill, undoubtedly support. Meet Sean Hannity’s children, who are making their mark in the world, each carving out a path that reflects their individual passions and strengths. See their story and what they’re up to below 👇

Sean Hannity’s Family: A Legacy of Achievement and Privacy

Sean Hannity, the towering figure of Fox News, has long been in the public eye, dominating political discussions and debates. However, away from the camera’s glare, his children, Patrick and Merri Hannity, have been quietly carving their own paths to success. These two young adults, raised with a balance of public and private life, have earned their own accolades in both academics and athletics, proving that hard work and determination run deep in the Hannity family.

Family Roots and Early Years

Sean Hannity shares his two children with his ex-wife, Jill Rhodes, whom he married in 1993. For over two decades, the couple kept their family life relatively shielded from the public spotlight, choosing to focus on raising their children away from the intrusive eyes of the media. Despite their efforts to maintain privacy, Patrick and Merri’s achievements have occasionally caught the attention of the public, especially given their connection to one of the most well-known media personalities in the country.

Sean and Jill’s children, Patrick, born in 1998, and Merri, born in 2001, have remained grounded, focusing on their own paths without seeking the limelight. And while their father has been one of the most vocal and visible figures in political media, Patrick and Merri have kept their achievements and personal lives out of the public discourse, with only glimpses into their success making headlines.

Patrick Hannity: Scholar-Athlete with a Competitive Edge

Patrick Hannity, the eldest child, has always been known for his competitive spirit, particularly on the tennis court. Encouraged by both of his parents, Patrick grew up with a love for tennis that led him to pursue the sport at the collegiate level. His hard work and dedication paid off when he earned a spot on the prestigious Wake Forest University tennis team, one of the most well-regarded programs in college sports.

In 2021, Patrick briefly made headlines when an investigation by Salon raised questions about his father’s purchase of a nearby home and the use of a private jet painted in Wake Forest colors. The story, however, quickly fizzled out, with no evidence of wrongdoing or inappropriate conduct being found. The university stood by Patrick, affirming that his admission was based on merit, pointing to his standout 4.2 GPA as a testament to his academic achievements. The case was closed shortly after, with the legal teams for both the Hannity family and Wake Forest asserting there was no connection between the issues raised in the report and Patrick’s qualifications.

Today, Patrick remains focused on his tennis career and studies, keeping a low profile on social media. His private Instagram bio proudly showcases his university affiliation with the simple but powerful symbols of Wake Forest and tennis, using a tennis racket emoji and a ball emoji to represent his passion and dedication to the sport.

Merri Hannity: A Rising Star at Michigan

Following in her brother’s footsteps, Merri Hannity took her own talents to the University of Michigan, where she was recruited as a five-star tennis player—a highly competitive title in the world of collegiate athletics. Just like her brother, Merri’s success on the court is matched by her academic excellence. In 2023, she earned the prestigious Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award, given to student-athletes who maintain a minimum 3.7 GPA, an impressive achievement that showcases her ability to balance her athletic career with her commitment to academics.

Merri’s love for tennis is rooted in her family’s support. She has often spoken about how her parents—particularly her mother, Jill—fostered her interest in the sport. In a 2020 feature by the Michigan Women’s Tennis program, Merri shared her family’s influence, saying, “My brother plays at Wake Forest. Both my mom and dad are big tennis fans, and that’s how they got us into playing.”

While tennis has been a major focus of Merri’s life, her strong academic achievements reflect the values of discipline, hard work, and balance that her parents instilled in her. It’s clear that Merri is committed to both her sport and her education, much like her brother.

Family Support Through New Beginnings

In December 2024, Sean Hannity announced his engagement to Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt, and Patrick and Merri have been supportive throughout this new chapter in their father’s life. The couple emphasized the strong bond between their two families, with both Patrick and Merri showing nothing but love and excitement for their father’s new relationship.

“Our kids couldn’t be happier,” said Hannity and Earhardt in a statement to Fox News. The shared happiness and support reflect the family dynamics at play—ones rooted in love and unity despite the challenges that public life and the media can bring.

Patrick and Merri’s ability to support their father’s new relationship while continuing their own personal journeys of success shows a mature, balanced approach to family. Despite their father’s high-profile career and the attention it draws, the Hannity children have managed to carve their own paths, prioritizing their passions, education, and individual goals.

A Legacy Beyond Headlines

While Sean Hannity often dominates political discussions and headlines, his children are building legacies of their own—ones rooted in hard work, determination, and family pride. Patrick and Merri’s accomplishments reflect the values Sean and his ex-wife Jill have always worked to instill in them: a commitment to excellence, resilience, and a focus on making a positive impact on the world around them.

Though they remain relatively out of the public eye compared to their famous father, their achievements speak for themselves. Patrick’s academic success at Wake Forest and Merri’s dual success in tennis and academics at Michigan demonstrate that they are not just living in their father’s shadow, but are creating their own unique paths to success.

And while the world may know Sean Hannity for his sharp political commentary, his greatest legacy may very well be the way he has raised his children. Through their success, it’s clear that the values of hard work, resilience, and personal achievement are at the core of the Hannity family. Patrick and Merri, though living their lives outside the spotlight, continue to honor that legacy with each new achievement.

Fatherhood and Family Loyalty

Sean Hannity’s relationship with his children is a testament to his devotion as a father. Both Patrick and Merri have been by his side, supporting him through his personal and professional challenges. Sean’s pride in his children is evident in the way he speaks about them, emphasizing their accomplishments and the joy he finds in being a father.

His children’s unwavering support for his relationship with Ainsley Earhardt speaks volumes about their shared values of loyalty, love, and support for one another, even in the face of public scrutiny.

As the Hannity family continues to grow and evolve, their story highlights the importance of family loyalty and the power of individual achievement. Despite the media’s fascination with Sean’s public life, it is clear that the heart of his success lies in the values he has passed on to Patrick and Merri—values that will continue to guide them as they build their own futures, all while remaining a strong, supportive family unit.

Conclusion: The Future of the Hannity Family

As Patrick and Merri continue to build their own legacies in the worlds of sports and academics, it’s evident that the Hannity family is one of strength, love, and success. While Sean’s voice continues to dominate the political conversation, his children have proven that their achievements go far beyond their last name. Whether it’s Patrick’s athletic accomplishments or Merri’s academic success, both children have made a lasting impact, and their journeys are just beginning.

In the end, the Hannity family story is one of pride, perseverance, and a commitment to both personal growth and family loyalty. It’s clear that Sean’s legacy will live on through his children—Patrick and Merri—who are building lives full of promise, just as their father did.