Sherrill Redmon is best known as the first wife of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, but her identity goes far beyond that title. Born on February 6, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, she became a respected feminist scholar, activist, and mother. With a Ph.D. in American History, Redmon worked to highlight women’s voices, often collaborating with leaders like Gloria Steinem. Her career focused on gender equality, social justice, and documenting women’s stories. As a mother of three daughters, she balanced family with advocacy, leaving behind an inspiring legacy that continues to influence feminism and women’s rights today.
Profile Summary: Sherrill Redmon
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sherrill Redmon |
| Date of Birth | February 6, 1943 |
| Place of Birth | Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
| Age | 81 years (as of 2024) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Famous For | Mitch McConnell’s Ex-Wife |
| Parents | Doris & Charles Redmon |
| Siblings | 3 (Walter, David, and Lee Ann) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Mitch McConnell |
| Children | 3 (Elly McConnell, Claire McConnell, Porter McConnell) |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | 58 kg |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Grey |
| Profession | Former Feminist Activist & Scholar |
| Net Worth | $2 Million (estimated in 2024) |
Early Life and Family Background
Sherrill Lynn Redmon was born on February 6, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, into a politically active family. Her parents, Charles and Doris Redmon, were deeply engaged in local politics and social issues, which strongly influenced her values. She grew up alongside her siblings Walter, David, and Lee Ann, in an environment that encouraged awareness, debate, and advocacy. This upbringing shaped her passion for history, justice, and women’s rights, becoming the foundation for her later career as a feminist scholar and activist.
Education and Academic Growth
Sherrill Redmon began her studies at the University of Louisville, where she first developed her interest in history and social issues. She later advanced her education at the University of Kentucky, earning a Ph.D. in American History in 1974. Her research focused on women’s roles and the struggles for equality in American society. This strong academic background gave her the tools to become a respected feminist scholar, shaping her career in teaching, research, and advocacy for women’s rights and justice.
Career and Contributions to Feminism
After earning her Ph.D., Sherrill Redmon built a career focused on women’s history and social justice. She worked in academia, researching and teaching about gender equality, reproductive rights, workplace fairness, and the struggles women face in society. One of her most important contributions was her collaboration with feminist leader Gloria Steinem on oral history projects that preserved women’s voices and experiences. Through her scholarship and activism, Redmon helped highlight women’s stories often overlooked in history. Her dedication made her a respected figure in feminist circles and an inspiration for future generations of women’s rights advocates.
Academic Roles
Sherrill Redmon dedicated much of her career to academia, focusing on women’s history and feminist studies. She taught, researched, and wrote about gender equality, giving a strong voice to women’s experiences often ignored in history. Her academic work laid the foundation for her later feminist activism and collaborations.
Feminist Collaborations
Sherrill Redmon worked with leading feminists, including Gloria Steinem, on major oral history projects. These collaborations focused on documenting women’s voices, struggles, and achievements. Her efforts preserved valuable stories, strengthening feminist scholarship and inspiring future generations of activists and researchers worldwide.
Advocacy Topics
Sherrill Redmon strongly advocated for reproductive rights, workplace equality, and ending gender-based violence. She worked to ensure women’s voices were heard in history and society. Her research and activism highlighted fairness, justice, and empowerment, making her a respected feminist scholar and advocate.
Relationship with Mitch McConnell
Sherrill Redmon met Mitch McConnell in 1962 while studying at the University of Louisville. Their shared interest in politics and academics quickly brought them together, and they developed a close bond. After years of dating, the couple married in 1968, beginning a new chapter in both their lives. Their relationship was marked by mutual support, especially during McConnell’s early political career. Together, they had three daughters: Elly, Claire, and Porter. However, differences grew over time, and the marriage ended in 1980. Despite the divorce, this relationship remained a significant part of Sherrill’s personal and family journey.
Meeting at University of Louisville (1962)
In 1962, Sherrill Redmon met Mitch McConnell while both studied at the University of Louisville. Their shared interest in academics and politics quickly connected them. This meeting marked the beginning of a relationship that later grew into marriage and family life.
Marriage (1968) and Family Life
In 1968, Sherrill Redmon married Mitch McConnell, beginning a new chapter filled with family responsibilities and political ambitions. Together, they welcomed three daughters: Elly, Claire, and Porter. While McConnell pursued his political career, Sherrill focused on balancing motherhood with her academic work, creating a strong foundation for both her family and professional journey.
Divorce in 1980
Sherrill Redmon and Mitch McConnell divorced in 1980 after twelve years of marriage. Following the separation, Sherrill focused on raising their three daughters as a single mother while continuing her academic and feminist work, shaping her independent identity beyond politics.
Sherrill Redmon as a Mother
After her divorce in 1980, Sherrill Redmon dedicated herself to raising her three daughters—Elly, Claire, and Porter. She balanced her demanding academic career with the responsibilities of single motherhood, showing resilience and strength. Sherrill encouraged her daughters to value education, independence, and social justice. Her guidance shaped their lives, especially Porter, who became an activist. As a mother, Redmon’s influence extended beyond her household, inspiring her children to embrace values of fairness, equality, and advocacy for positive social change.
The McConnell Daughters
Sherrill Redmon and Mitch McConnell had three daughters: Elly, Claire, and Porter. Elly, the eldest, has lived a very private life away from the spotlight. Claire, the middle daughter, also avoids public attention and chooses a quiet lifestyle. Porter, the youngest, became a well-known activist and director of Take On Wall Street, focusing on financial reform and social justice. Each daughter has taken a different path, reflecting both independence and values influenced by their mother’s guidance.
Elly McConnell – Private Life
Elly McConnell, born in 1972, is the eldest daughter of Sherrill Redmon and Mitch McConnell. She has chosen a quiet and private life, staying away from media attention. Very little is publicly known about her career or personal interests.
Claire McConnell – Low-Profile Lifestyle
Claire McConnell, born in 1976, is the second daughter of Sherrill Redmon and Mitch McConnell. Like her sister Elly, she has maintained a very low-profile life. Claire avoids public attention, keeping her personal and professional details private from the media.
Porter McConnell – Public Activist and Director of “Take On Wall Street”
Porter McConnell, born in 1979, is the youngest daughter of Sherrill Redmon and Mitch McConnell. Unlike her sisters, Porter is a public activist. She directs Take On Wall Street, focusing on financial reform, economic justice, and progressive social change.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Mitch McConnell in 1980, Sherrill Redmon focused on building an independent life rooted in scholarship and activism. She continued her academic career, dedicating herself to feminist research and women’s history. As a single mother, she raised her three daughters with resilience and determination. Sherrill also collaborated with prominent feminists like Gloria Steinem on oral history projects, preserving women’s voices. Her post-divorce years highlighted strength, independence, and a lasting commitment to gender equality and social justice.
Impact and Legacy in Feminism
Sherrill Redmon’s legacy lies in her lifelong dedication to women’s rights and social justice. Through academic work and activism, she highlighted women’s stories often ignored in history. Her collaboration with Gloria Steinem preserved important oral histories, inspiring future feminists. Redmon’s influence continues to shape discussions on gender equality, making her an important voice in the movement. Her life shows how scholarship and advocacy can create lasting social change.
Personal Life and Current Status
Sherrill Redmon has always valued privacy, especially after her divorce from Mitch McConnell. She devoted her later years to feminist scholarship and raising her daughters while keeping a low profile. Unlike many public figures, she avoids media attention and social platforms. Now retired, Sherrill lives quietly but remains respected for her contributions to women’s rights. Her influence continues through her work and the activism of her daughter, Porter McConnell.
Sherrill Redmon’s Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2025, Sherrill Redmon’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million. Her income mainly came from her academic career, feminist research, and various projects highlighting women’s history. Unlike her ex-husband Mitch McConnell, Sherrill built her financial independence outside politics. Her careful management and dedication to meaningful work reflect a stable financial standing. This independence shows her strength as both a scholar and advocate for women’s equality.
Conclusion
Sherrill Redmon’s life is a story of strength, independence, and lasting impact. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, she grew from a politically aware child into a respected feminist scholar and activist. Her marriage to Mitch McConnell brought her into public attention, but her true legacy is her work for women’s rights, education, and social justice. As a mother of three daughters, she balanced family and career with resilience. Today, even in retirement, her influence lives on through her research, collaborations, and the activism of her children, leaving an inspiring mark on feminism and society.
FAQs About Sherrill Redmon
Who is Sherrill Redmon?
Sherrill Redmon is a feminist scholar and activist. She is also known as the first wife of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.
When did Sherrill Redmon marry and divorce Mitch McConnell?
She married Mitch McConnell in 1968. Their marriage lasted 12 years before ending in divorce in 1980.
How many children does Sherrill Redmon have?
She has three daughters with Mitch McConnell: Elly, Claire, and Porter McConnell.
What is Sherrill Redmon’s career background?
She earned a Ph.D. in American History and worked as a feminist scholar, focusing on women’s rights, history, and social justice.
What is Sherrill Redmon’s net worth?
As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at around $2 million, mainly from her academic career and research work.
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