Sherrill Redmon is best known as the first wife of Senator Mitch McConnell, the senior U.S. senator from Kentucky. Beyond her marriage, Redmon has made significant contributions as a feminist scholar and activist. This article delves into her early life, marriage to Mitch McConnell, career achievements, and current endeavors.
Early Life and Education
Born on February 6, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, Sherrill Lynn Redmon grew up in a politically active family.
Her parents, Doris and Charles Redmon, alongside her siblings, Walter, David, and Lee Ann, provided a nurturing environment that valued education and civic engagement.
Sherrill attended Seneca High School in Louisville, where she excelled academically.
She pursued higher education at the University of Louisville, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Her academic journey continued at the University of Kentucky, where she obtained a Ph.D. in American History in 1974.
Marriage to Mitch McConnell
In 1962, Sherrill met Mitch McConnell during their time at the University of Louisville.
Their relationship blossomed, leading to marriage in 1968. Over their 12-year marriage, they welcomed three daughters: Eleanor (Elly), Claire, and Porter. While Mitch’s political career began to ascend, with him serving as Jefferson County Judge/Executive starting in 1977, Sherrill played a supportive role, managing their household and caring for their children.
Differing political ideologies and the demands of Mitch’s career led to their divorce in 1980.
Career as a Feminist Scholar
After the divorce, Sherrill relocated to Massachusetts, embarking on a distinguished career in feminist scholarship.
She served as the director of the Sophia Smith Collection of Women’s History at Smith College.
Under her leadership, the collection expanded to include diverse narratives, documenting the lives and contributions of women from various backgrounds.
Sherrill also collaborated with renowned feminist Gloria Steinem on the Voices of Feminism Oral History Project, further cementing her commitment to preserving women’s histories.
Personal Life and Legacy
Sherrill’s influence extends beyond academia. Her daughters, Elly, Claire, and Porter, have each championed progressive causes, reflecting their mother’s values.
Porter McConnell, the youngest, co-founded “Take On Wall Street,” a coalition advocating for financial reforms to promote economic justice.
Sherrill’s legacy is evident in her family’s dedication to social change and her pivotal role in advancing feminist scholarship.
Current Endeavors
In recent years, Sherrill has maintained a relatively low public profile, focusing on personal pursuits and continuing her advocacy work.
While she has stepped back from her formal role at Smith College, her impact on the institution and the broader feminist movement endures.
Her story serves as a testament to resilience and the pursuit of one’s convictions, inspiring many to champion equality and justice.
FAQs
1. Who is Sherrill Redmon?
Sherrill Redmon is an American feminist scholar and activist, best known as the first wife of Senator Mitch McConnell. After their divorce in 1980, she became the director of the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College, significantly contributing to women’s history archives.
2. How old is Sherrill Redmon?
Born on February 6, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, Sherrill Redmon is currently 82 years old as of 2025.
3. What is Sherrill Redmon’s educational background?
Sherrill attended Seneca High School in Louisville and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisville. She later obtained a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Kentucky in 1974.
4. How long were Sherrill Redmon and Mitch McConnell married?
Sherrill and Mitch McConnell were married in 1968 and divorced in 1980, ending a 12-year marriage.
5. Do Sherrill Redmon and Mitch McConnell have children?
Yes, they have three daughters: Elly, born in 1972; Claire, born in 1976; and Porter, born in 1979.
6. What is Sherrill Redmon’s current net worth?
As of 2023, Sherrill Redmon’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, primarily from her career in academia.
7. Where does Sherrill Redmon live now?
Sherrill resides in Whately, Massachusetts, where she continues her advocacy and scholarly work.
9. What is the Sophia Smith Collection?
The Sophia Smith Collection, housed at Smith College, is an internationally recognized repository of manuscripts, photographs, and other primary sources documenting women’s history. Sherrill Redmon served as its director from 1993 to 2012, expanding its diversity and scope.
10. Did Sherrill Redmon collaborate with Gloria Steinem?
Yes, Sherrill worked with feminist icon Gloria Steinem on the Voices of Feminism Oral History Project, documenting the experiences of leading feminist activists.
11. What are Sherrill Redmon’s daughters doing now?
Sherrill’s daughters are actively involved in progressive causes. Porter McConnell co-founded “Take On Wall Street,” advocating for financial reforms promoting economic justice. Elly and Claire also engage in various social and environmental initiatives.
12. How did Sherrill Redmon contribute to feminist scholarship?
Beyond her role at the Sophia Smith Collection, Sherrill’s collaboration with Gloria Steinem and her efforts to diversify women’s historical records have significantly advanced feminist scholarship.
13. What is Sherrill Redmon’s legacy?
Sherrill Redmon’s legacy lies in her dedication to preserving women’s history and advocating for feminist causes, influencing both academic circles and social movements.
14. Is Sherrill Redmon active on social media?
Sherrill maintains a private life and is not active on social media platforms.
16. What motivated Sherrill Redmon’s feminist activism?
Sherrill’s activism was driven by a commitment to women’s rights and empowerment, influenced by her upbringing in a politically active family and her academic pursuits.
17. Did Sherrill Redmon support Mitch McConnell’s political career?
Yes, during their marriage, Sherrill actively supported Mitch McConnell’s early political campaigns, including his successful bid for Jefferson County Judge/Executive in 1977.
18. How did Sherrill Redmon’s views differ from Mitch McConnell’s?
Sherrill’s progressive feminist views contrasted with Mitch McConnell’s conservative political stance, particularly evident as his career evolved.
19. What challenges did Sherrill Redmon face in her personal life?
Sherrill navigated the complexities of supporting a politically ambitious husband while raising three daughters, eventually leading to their divorce in 1980.
20. How has Sherrill Redmon influenced her family?
Sherrill’s dedication to feminist principles has profoundly influenced her daughters, inspiring them to pursue careers and activism focused on social justice and equality.
