Don Henley (born Donald Hugh Henley on July 22, 1947) is an American vocalist, lyricist, and drummer. He co-established the Eagles, one of the most triumphant rock groups in the United States. Henley performed lead vocals on numerous iconic tracks of the Eagles, including “Witchy Woman,” “Desperado,” “Best of My Love,” “One of These Nights,” “Hotel California,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and “The Long Run.” He collaborated with Glenn Frey on the majority of the band’s famous songs.
As of January 2026, Henley is 78 and remains engaged in music and philanthropic efforts. He takes part in selective performances with the Eagles, and the band’s music continues to be favored on streaming services. In 2024 and 2025, he was featured in Eagles documentaries, performed at fundraising concerts for environmental initiatives, and sustained his involvement with the Walden Woods Project. There have been no announcements regarding new solo records or health concerns in late 2025 or early 2026, and his influence on classic rock endures.
Here is a brief summary of key information regarding Don Henley:
| Full Name | Donald Hugh Henley |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1947 |
| Age (as of January 2026) | 78 years old |
| Birthplace | Gilmer, Texas, United States |
| Wives | First marriage (name private, concluded before fame); second spouse Sharon Summerall (married 1995 – present) |
| Children | Three offspring (two daughters and one son) with Sharon Summerall |
| Net Worth (2026 estimate) | Approximately $200–$250 million (from Eagles royalties, solo pursuits, touring, investments, real estate, and publishing rights) |
| Most Famous Songs | “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” “The Boys of Summer,” “Dirty Laundry,” “The End of the Innocence” |
Don Henley’s Age
Don Henley was born on July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas. As of January 2026, he is 78 years old.
Update
As of January 2026, Don Henley remains one of the most venerated figures in rock music at 78 years of age:
- He continues to tour and perform with the Eagles on select occasions, with the band upholding a consistent schedule of concerts and residencies.
- Recent years (2024–2025) featured benefit performances for environmental causes linked to the Walden Woods Project and Caddo Lake Institute.
- Henley has participated in documentaries and interviews discussing the Eagles’ legacy, his solo career, and his activism. While he has not put out a new solo album since Cass County (2015), he has expressed interest in producing more music in the future.
- The Eagles’ repertoire, including tracks like Hotel California, continues to generate significant streaming and sales figures.
- Henley has spoken candidly about aging in the music field and his commitment to environmental protection. No significant health concerns or retirement plans have been reported in late 2025 or early 2026.
Net Worth
As of January 2026, Don Henley’s net worth is estimated at $200–$250 million (USD).
Wife
Don Henley has been wed twice. His first marriage, in the late 1970s or early 1980s, was brief and private. Details, including the name of his first wife, are not widely recognized, and the union ended before he gained fame as a solo artist.
He married his second spouse, Sharon Summerall, a model and socialite, in 1995. They have been together for more than 30 years. Sharon suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), and Henley has discussed assisting her with her health challenges. They have three children: two daughters and a son, whose identities are kept confidential. The family primarily resides in Texas and also owns properties in California.
Songs & Life Story
Don Henley’s life is intricately linked to his music. He was born in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in Linden, where he played trombone and percussion during high school. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University and North Texas State University, but departed to pursue a music career. In the late 1960s, he joined the band Shiloh, which relocated to Los Angeles. There, he met Glenn Frey while performing in Linda Ronstadt’s band, and together they founded the Eagles in 1971.
The Eagles blended country rock, folk, and pop genres and released their inaugural album in 1972. Henley’s vocals and songwriting, often in collaboration with Frey, were pivotal in crafting hits such as “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” and “Tequila Sunrise.” Their 1976 album Hotel California became a symbol of cultural significance. The band disbanded in 1980 following The Long Run due to internal conflicts.
Henley embarked on his solo career with I Can’t Stand Still (1982), which featured “Dirty Laundry.” Building the Perfect Beast (1984) includes the notable song “The Boys of Summer.” The End of the Innocence (1989) marked his most successful solo album, with tracks like “The Heart of the Matter” and the title song. He later released Inside Job (2000) and Cass County (2015), which reflected his interest in country and Americana music.
Key songs composed or co-composed by Henley:
- With the Eagles
- “Desperado”
- “Witchy Woman”
- “Best of My Love”
- “One of These Nights”
- “Hotel California”
- “Life in the Fast Lane”
- “The Long Run”
- Solo
- “Dirty Laundry”
- “The Boys of Summer”
- “All She Wants to Do Is Dance”
- “The End of the Innocence”
- “The Heart of the Matter”
- “Not Enough Love in the World”
- “Taking You Home”
Henley is also recognized for his activism. In 1990, he initiated the Walden Woods Project to conserve Walden Woods in Massachusetts. He also contributed to the establishment of the Caddo Lake Institute to preserve wetlands in Texas. Henley has addressed Congress concerning artists’ rights and copyright matters.
Henley’s personal life centers around his long marriage to Sharon Summerall, his family, and his commitment to environmental initiatives. He is a private and considerate individual, and his music and activism continue to have a substantial influence.
