Summary
| Topic | Details |
| Full Name | Sherrill Lynn Redmon |
| Date of Birth | February 6, 1943 |
| Age | 81 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Ph.D. in American History (University of Kentucky) |
| Profession | Feminist activist, historian, and former director of the Sophia Smith Collection |
| Marital Status | Divorced (formerly married to Mitch McConnell) |
| Children | Three daughters |
| Residence | Whately, Massachusetts, USA |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million |
| Notable Contributions | Feminist research, preservation of women’s oral history, collaboration with Gloria Steinem |
Introduction
Sherrill Redmon is known as the first wife of Mitch McConnell — but her influence stretches well beyond her marriage to the Senate majority leader. As a feminist activist, historian and scholar, she forged a legacy in gender equality and archival research.
This article covers Sherrill Redmon’s early life, Sherrill Redmon’s education, Sherrill Redmon marriage, Sherrill Redmon’s divorce, Sherrill Redmon career, Sherrill Redmon’s feminist work, Sherrill Redmon personal life, etc, and also answers popular search terms such as what is Sherrill Redmon Wikipedia? Is Sherrill Redmon alive? and “Mitch McConnell’s relationship with daughters.”
Let’s dive deep into the life and achievements of Sherrill Redmon.
Early Life and Family Background
Sherrill Lynn Redmon was born on February 6, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. She was raised in a middle-class American family that valued education and intellectual pursuits.
Family Details
- Father: Charles Redmon
- Mother: Doris Redmon
- Siblings: Walter Redmon, David Redmon, and Lee Ann Redmon
- Ethnicity: White
- Nationality: American
From an early age, Sherrill exhibited strong academic abilities, which later helped her establish a career in historical research and feminism.
Educational Background
High School & College Programs
Sherrill graduated from Seneca High School in Louisville and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisville in Kentucky.
Ph.D. in American History
Aiming to further her academic career, she attended the University of Kentucky, where she received a Doctorate Doctorate (Ph.D.) in American History.
Histories of gender and women were the focus of her research, setting the stage for her eventual work within feminism and the archival record.
Did She Attend Smith College?
Although often associated with Smith College, Sherrill did not study there. Instead, she worked as the director of the Sophia Smith Collection, where she played a key role in preserving women’s historical archives.
Marriage to Mitch McConnell
How Did Sherrill Redmon and Mitch McConnell Meet?
Sherrill met Mitch McConnell while studying in Kentucky. The couple shared a common background in academia and politics, leading to a relationship that culminated in marriage in 1968.
Wedding and Family Life
- Marriage Date: 1968
- Spouse: Mitch McConnell
- Children: Three daughters
In the early years of their marriage, Sherrill was a major influence in McConnell’s early political career, managing the home while McConnell angled his way through politics.
Divorce and Life After Mitch McConnell
What Was the Source of Division in the Divorce?
Redmon and McConnell divorced in 1980 after 12 years of marriage. While the precise reasons are not publicly known, speculation of political differences, McConnell’s growing ambition, and personal incompatibilities have all been floated to explain the fissure.
Reinventing Herself After Divorce
Following the divorce, Sherrill completely distanced herself from McConnell’s political world. She moved to Massachusetts and transformed her identity, dedicating herself to feminist activism and academic research.
Career and Feminist Activism
Leading the Sophia Smith Collection
Perhaps Sherrill’s greatest contribution was her work as director of the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College.
She was responsible for:
✅ Women’s historical archives are becoming wider
✅ Researching feminist movements
✅ Chronicling the oral histories of gender and racial equity
Working with Gloria Steinem
Sherrill joined the feminist icon Gloria Steinem to found the Voices of Feminism Oral History Project, making sure the stories of pioneering women activists were not forgotten.
In feminism and women’s studies, her work established her credentials as a progressive scholar.
Personal Life and Legacy
Where Sherrill Redmon Is Now.
She retired to Whately, Massachusetts, where she lived a life private and quiet, far from the media glare.
Who Are Mitch McConnell and Sherrill Redmon’s Kids?
Sherrill and McConnell have three daughters, who have tended to be more progressive in their ideologies, despite their father’s conservative leanings.
The Relationship Between Mitch McConnell and His Daughters
His daughters align themselves with their mother’s feminist beliefs, causing political rifts between the McConnells.
Did Sherrill Redmon Remarry?
After her divorce from McConnell, Sherrill did not remarry. Instead, she turned to her career, activism, and historical research.
Also Read: Sandra Bille from El Monte, CA: Her Inspiring Journey
Net Worth and Public Recognition
What Is Sherrill Redmon’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, her estimated net worth is $2 million, accumulated from:
✔ Her academic career
✔ Smith College directorship
✔ Feminist research contributions
Is Sherrill Redmon Alive?
Yes, as of the latest reports, Sherrill Redmon is alive and continues to live a private life.
Sherrill Redmon’s Research on William and Helen Woodward
Sherrill’s doctoral research focused on William E. and Helen Woodward, two influential American authors.
Her dissertation, Debunker: The Life and Writings of W.E. Woodward, remains an important historical text in literary and political studies.
Research Files at the University of Kentucky
- Title: Sherrill Redmon Research Files on William E. and Helen Woodward
- Repository: University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center
- Subject: Analysis of authors, journalism, and historical writing
Her research continues to be referenced in literary and historical studies.
Legacy and Impact
Key Contributions
✅ Academic Excellence – Ph.D. in American History
✅ Feminist Leadership – Expanded the Sophia Smith Collection
✅ Historical Preservation – Documented gender and racial struggles
✅ Advocacy for Women’s Rights – Worked with Gloria Steinem
Despite being remembered as Mitch McConnell’s first wife, Sherrill Redmon’s legacy stands on its own.
FAQs
Q: Where and when was Sherrill Redmon born?
A: She was born on Feb. 6, 1943, in Louisville, Ky.
Q: What were Sherrill Redmon’s academic credentials?
A: She earned a Ph.D. in American History at the University of Kentucky.
Q: Does Sherrill Redmon have a Wikipedia page?
A: She doesn’t have a dedicated Wikipedia page, but her contributions to historical research are well-documented.
Conclusion
Sherrill Redmon’s evolution from a political spouse to an influential feminist scholar is inspirational. Though she is the longer-serving veteran and is often overshadowed by Mitch McConnell, her mark through activism, research, and education will long be felt.
Her life is a blueprint for reinvention, resilience, and the struggle for social justice.
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