Sean Hannity: Age, Wife | Conservative Voice and Fox News Icon

Sean Hannity Biography: Life, Career, & Controversies of the Fox News Host

Sean Patrick Hannity is a prominent American conservative television presenter, radio talk show host, and author. He is widely recognized for his long-standing career in media, particularly on Fox News.

Early Life and Education:

Hannity was born in New York City, the youngest of four siblings and the only boy. His parents, Lillian (née Flynn) and Hugh Hannity, were first-generation Irish immigrants.

He grew up in Franklin Square, New York, on Long Island. Hannity attended Sacred Heart Seminary and St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary.

He later attended New York University and Adelphi University but did not graduate, choosing instead to pursue a career in broadcasting.

Career:

Hannity’s career in broadcasting began in 1989 as a volunteer talk show host at KCSB-FM, a college radio station at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

After a controversial dismissal from KCSB, he leveraged the publicity into his first paid radio position at WVNN in Athens, Alabama, in 1990, and later at WGST in Atlanta.

In 1996, Hannity joined Fox News Channel as a co-host of “Hannity & Colmes,” a liberal-conservative debate show, alongside Alan Colmes.

This show propelled him to national prominence. During this time, he also began hosting “The Sean Hannity Show” on WABC in New York, which eventually became a nationally syndicated talk radio show heard by millions.

Following Alan Colmes’ departure in 2009, “Hannity & Colmes” was replaced by “Hannity,” a self-titled political commentary program that continues to air on Fox News.

He also hosted “Hannity’s America,” a weekly conservative current-affairs program.

Political Views and Controversies:

Sean Hannity is a staunch conservative and has been a vocal supporter of the Republican Party.

He is particularly known for his strong pro-Trump coverage and his role as an ardent defender of Donald Trump, especially during and after his presidency.

He has been characterized by some as a propagandist rather than a journalist, a label he has sometimes embraced as an “advocacy journalist” or “opinion journalist.”

Throughout his career, Hannity has promoted various conspiracy theories, including “birtherism” (false claims about Barack Obama’s citizenship) and unproven allegations of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

His close ties to the Trump administration led to White House advisors reportedly referring to him as the “shadow” chief of staff, and he was known to frequently speak with Trump.

Hannity was also among the hosts named in the Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox News Network defamation lawsuit, which was settled for $787.5 million, with Fox News acknowledging that the broadcast statements about Dominion’s voting machines were false.

Author and Awards:

Hannity is also a best-selling author, having written several New York Times best-selling books, including:

• “Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty over Liberalism” (2002)
• “Deliver Us from Evil: Defeating Terrorism, Despotism, and Liberalism” (2004)
• “Conservative Victory: Defeating Obama’s Radical Agenda” (2010)
• “Live Free or Die: America (and the World) on the Brink” (2020)

He has received numerous accolades for his radio work, including two Marconi Awards for Nationally Syndicated Radio Host of the Year and three consecutive Radio & Records National Talk Show Host of The Year Awards.

In 2017, Sean Hannity was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

Age:

Sean Hannity was born on December 30, 1961, making him 63 years old.

His zodiac sign is Capricorn. He is of Irish-American ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Sean Hannity was born in New York City to Lillian (née Flynn) and Hugh Hannity.

His mother, Lillian, worked as a stenographer and a corrections officer at a county jail, while his father, Hugh, was a World War II veteran and family-court officer.

Sean is the youngest of four siblings. He has three older sisters: Therese Grisham, Mary-Jo Kuchta, and Coleen Hannity, who sadly passed away only a month after birth.

Growing up, Sean spent his childhood in Franklin Square, New York, on Long Island.

Wife:

Sean Hannity was married to Jill Rhodes from 1993 until their divorce in 2019.

Jill Rhodes was a political columnist at the Huntsville Times when they met at WVNN radio in Huntsville, Alabama. They have two children together: Sean Patrick Hannity and Merri Kelly Hannity.

• Sean Patrick Hannity: Born in November 1998, Sean Patrick is known to be a tennis player. He played tennis for Wake Forest University and has participated in various competitions.

• Merri Kelly Hannity: Born in 2002, Merri Kelly is also a tennis enthusiast. She has represented her school in tennis competitions and has shown promise as a young athlete.

Height, Weight:

Sean Hannity stands at 1.82 meters (approximately 5 feet 11.5 inches) tall and weighs around 176.5 lbs (80 kg).

Career and Background:

Sean Hannity started his career as a general contractor and then transitioned to broadcasting, beginning with a volunteer role at a college radio station.

His breakthrough came when he co-hosted a conservative talk show on Fox News, launching “Hannity & Colmes” in 1996.

Following his success, he established The Sean Hannity Show, a nationally syndicated radio program, and later hosted his solo Fox News show, Hannity, which remains one of the top-rated opinion programs on cable television.

Over his career, Hannity has received numerous accolades, including Marconi Awards for “Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year.”

Early Career of Sean Hannity

Sean Hannity’s early career laid the groundwork for his rise as a prominent conservative voice in American media:

KCSB-FM (1989)

Sean Hannity’s broadcasting career began in 1989 when he volunteered as a talk show host at KCSB-FM, a radio station at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

His show was short-lived, as it was canceled after less than a year due to controversial content. This early experience, however, gave him a taste of radio broadcasting and set the stage for his future endeavors.

WVNN (Huntsville, Alabama)

Following his stint at KCSB-FM, Hannity moved to WVNN, a radio station in Huntsville, Alabama. Here, he hosted a morning talk show.

His engaging and often provocative style quickly garnered attention, helping him build a local following.

It was during this time that Hannity began to hone his skills as a talk show host and develop his conservative voice.

WGST (Atlanta, Georgia)

In the mid-1990s, Hannity relocated to WGST in Atlanta, Georgia, where he continued his work as a talk show host.

At WGST, he further refined his broadcasting abilities and established himself as a notable conservative commentator. His success at WGST caught the attention of Fox News.

Fox News and National Syndication

In 1996, Hannity’s career took a significant leap forward when he joined Fox News. He co-hosted Hannity & Colmes, a debate show featuring liberal commentator Alan Colmes.

The show was a platform for spirited discussions and debates on political issues, providing Hannity with a national audience.

During this period, Sean also launched The Sean Hannity Show, a nationally syndicated talk radio program. The show became immensely popular, solidifying Hannity’s reputation as a leading conservative voice.

Sean Hannity’s Radio Career

Sean Hannity’s radio career has been a significant part of his rise to prominence as a conservative commentator:

Early Beginnings

Sean Hannity’s radio journey began in the late 1980s. After his initial experience at KCSB-FM in Santa Barbara, he moved to WVNN in Huntsville, Alabama, where he hosted a morning talk show. His engaging and provocative style quickly earned him a local following and recognition.

WGST in Atlanta, Georgia

Sean’s next move was to WGST in Atlanta, where he continued to develop his skills as a talk show host.

His success at WGST further established his reputation as a notable conservative voice, and it was during this time that he caught the attention of Fox News executives.

The Sean Hannity Show

In 1998, Sean Hannity launched The Sean Hannity Show, a nationally syndicated talk radio program.

The show has become one of the most popular talk radio programs in the United States, known for its strong conservative viewpoints and commentary on political and social issues.

The show is broadcast on over 500 radio stations nationwide and reaches millions of listeners each week.

The Sean Hannity Show covers a wide range of topics, including current events, politics, and cultural issues.

Sean is known for his direct and unfiltered approach, often featuring interviews with high-profile guests, including politicians, pundits, and newsmakers.

Awards and Recognition

Sean Hannity’s success in radio has been recognized with numerous awards, including:

• Marconi Award for Network Syndicated Personality of the Year (2003, 2007).

• National Radio Hall of Fame induction (2017).

Sean Hannity’s radio career has been instrumental in establishing him as a leading conservative commentator.

His show continues to be a major platform for conservative viewpoints and has significantly influenced political discourse in the United States.

Sean Hannity’s Fox News Career

Sean Hannity has had a significant impact on Fox News and has been one of the network’s most recognizable faces. Here are some key highlights of his career at Fox News:

Hannity & Colmes (1996-2009)

Sean Hannity joined Fox News in 1996 and co-hosted Hannity & Colmes with liberal commentator Alan Colmes.

The show featured debates between the conservative Hannity and the liberal Colmes, covering a wide range of political and social issues.

This format allowed viewers to hear both conservative and liberal viewpoints, making it a popular program. The show ran until January 2009, when Alan Colmes left the network.

Hannity (2009-Present)

After Alan Colmes’ departure, the show was rebranded simply as Hannity. Now, as the sole host, Sean continued to focus on political commentary, interviews, and panel discussions.

Hannity airs weeknights at 9 PM ET and has consistently been one of the top-rated programs on Fox News.

The Sean Hannity Show

In addition to his television career, Sean continues to host The Sean Hannity Show, a nationally syndicated talk radio program that has been on the air since 1998.

The show reaches millions of listeners each week and covers similar political topics, providing a platform for Hannity’s conservative viewpoints.

Notable Coverage and Interviews by Sean Hannity

Here are Sean Hannity’s notable coverage and interviews, numbered for clarity:

• Donald Trump

  • Numerous interviews covering policy decisions, political strategies, and personal insights.

• Republican Leaders

  • Frequent interviews with prominent figures such as Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Governor Ron DeSantis.

• Controversial Figures

  • Interviews with individuals like Julian Assange (founder of WikiLeaks) and George Zimmerman.

• Cultural and Social Issues

  • Discussions with experts on topics such as immigration, healthcare, and education.

• Exclusive Coverage

  • In-depth analysis and commentary on significant events like the 2016 and 2020 Presidential Elections, the Benghazi attack, and the Mueller investigation.

Awards and Recognition of Sean Hannity

• Marconi Award: Sean Hannity has won the prestigious Marconi Award for Network Syndicated Personality of the Year twice, in 2003 and 2007. This award is presented by the National Association of Broadcasters and recognizes excellence in radio broadcasting.

• National Radio Hall of Fame: In 2017, Sean Hannity was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. This honor is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry and have demonstrated a high level of skill and influence in their field.

• Honorary Doctorates: Hannity has received honorary degrees from several institutions in recognition of his contributions to media and journalism. These accolades highlight his impact on the industry and his role as a prominent conservative commentator.

• Freedom of Speech Award: Hannity received the Freedom of Speech Award from Talkers Magazine, a publication that covers the talk radio industry. This award honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to free speech and open dialogue.

• Radio & Records News/Talk Personality of the Year: Sean Hannity has been named News/Talk Personality of the Year by Radio & Records multiple times. This award recognizes his influence and success in the talk radio industry.

• Top Talk Host: Hannity is consistently ranked among the top talk hosts in the United States by Talkers Magazine. This ranking is based on his listenership, influence, and impact on the radio industry.

• Books: Several of Hannity’s books have been New York Times bestsellers, further showcasing his success as an author and commentator. His books, such as “Let Freedom Ring” and “Live Free or Die,” have received critical acclaim and have resonated with readers.

Public Speaking and Books

In addition to his television and radio work, Sean is an accomplished public speaker and author. He has written several best-selling books, including:

• “Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty over Liberalism”

• “Deliver Us from Evil: Defeating Terrorism, Despotism, and Liberalism”

• “Live Free or Die: America (and the World) on the Brink”

Sean Hannity’s career at Fox News has been marked by his strong conservative voice, ability to engage with a wide audience, and impact on political discourse in the United States.

Sean Hannity has worked with many notable colleagues throughout his career at Fox News and in radio. Here are some of his close colleagues:

• Ainsley Earhardt: Hannity and Earhardt have developed a strong professional relationship over the years. They often appear together on Fox & Friends, and their on-air chemistry has been widely recognized. Rumors about their personal relationship have also been a topic of media speculation.

• Alan Colmes: Hannity’s former co-host on Hannity & Colmes, Alan Colmes, was a liberal commentator who provided a counterpoint to Hannity’s conservative views. They worked together from 1996 until Colmes’ departure in 2009.

• Brian Kilmeade: Another co-host on Fox & Friends, Kilmeade has been a long-time colleague of Hannity. They often collaborate on news segments and share a similar conservative viewpoint.

• Laura Ingraham: Hannity frequently collaborates with Ingraham, another prominent conservative commentator on Fox News. They often discuss political issues and share their perspectives on various topics.

• Tucker Carlson: As another leading figure on Fox News, Hannity and Carlson often work together on special segments and cover major news events. Their combined influence has made them a powerful duo on the network.

• Mark Levin: Hannity and Levin, both conservative radio hosts, have a close professional relationship. They often support each other’s work and collaborate on various media projects.

These colleagues have played significant roles in Hannity’s career, contributing to his success and influence in conservative media.

Net Worth and Salary:

Sean Hannity’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. This substantial wealth has been accumulated through his successful career in media, including his roles as a television host, radio host, and author.

Sean Hannity earns an annual salary of approximately $45 million from his media roles.

This makes him one of the highest-paid news anchors in the United States. His salary reflects his popularity, influence, and the significant viewership he commands.

Additional Earnings

In addition to his salary, Hannity also generates income from his books, public speaking engagements, and other media projects.

His financial success has allowed him to invest in various properties and assets, further increasing his net worth.

What is Sean Hannity’s level of education?

Sean Hannity attended several institutions but did not complete a degree.

He graduated from high school in Uniondale, New York, and went on to attend New York University, Adelphi University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara.

However, he left these schools to pursue a career in broadcasting.

Who was Hannity’s wife?

Sean Hannity was married to Jill Rhodes from 1993 until 2019. Jill Rhodes was a political journalist at the Huntsville Times when she met Hannity.

The couple had two children together, Sean Patrick and Merri Kelly. They remain on good terms following their divorce.

Who did Hannity replace on Fox News?

Sean Hannity did not directly replace anyone on Fox News. He initially co-hosted the show “Hannity & Colmes” with Alan Colmes from the network’s founding in 1996 until Colmes’s departure in 2009.

After Colmes left, Hannity continued hosting the show under his own name, “Hannity”.

How Old Is Sean Hannity?

Sean Hannity was born on December 30, 1961, which makes him 63 years old as of now.

Where Is Sean Hannity Working?

Sean Hannity is currently working at Fox News and Premiere Networks. Here are his primary roles:

Fox News

• Host of “Hannity”: Sean Hannity hosts the eponymous show “Hannity” on Fox News, which airs weeknights at 9 PM ET. The show features political commentary, interviews with newsmakers, and panel discussions on current events.

Premiere Networks

• Host of “The Sean Hannity Show”: This is a nationally syndicated talk radio program that reaches millions of listeners across the United States. The show covers a wide range of political and social issues from a conservative perspective.

Additional Roles

• Author: Sean Hannity has written several New York Times bestsellers, including “Let Freedom Ring” and “Live Free or Die.”

• Public Speaker: He frequently engages in public speaking at conservative political events and conferences.

Sean Hannity’s roles at Fox News and Premiere Networks have made him one of the most influential conservative voices in American media.

Sean Hannity is active on social media. He frequently posts on Twitter under the handle @seanhannity.

Hannity uses his social media platforms to share his opinions, promote his shows, and engage with his audience. He often tweets about political issues, current events, and his views on various topics.