Sherrill Redmon, formerly married to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell from 1968 to 1980, is known for her transition from political life to academia. During their marriage, the couple had three children: Elly, Porter, and Claire McConnell. Although her relationship with McConnell was overshadowed by his political career, it shaped her perspective and played a role in her future endeavors. After their divorce, Redmon focused on carving her own path, pursuing academic and professional goals that would lead her to become a prominent feminist scholar.
Following her separation from McConnell, Sherrill Redmon embarked on a successful career at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. As a respected feminist scholar, she became the Director of the Sophia Smith Collection of the Women’s History Archives, where she made significant contributions to diversifying its content. Redmon’s work aimed to broaden the scope of representation by including racial and cultural perspectives. Additionally, her collaboration with feminist icon Gloria Steinem on the Voices of Feminism oral history project further cemented her place as a key figure in both academic and feminist circles.
Who Is Sherrill Redmon?

Sherrill Redmon, born in February 1943 in Louisville, Kentucky, is a notable former academic and feminist scholar, known for her influential work in women’s history and advocacy for gender equality. She hails from a politically engaged family, with both of her parents, Charles and Doris Redmon, actively participating in local political affairs. Redmon, now 81 years old, holds American citizenship and has a diverse ethnic background shaped by her parents’ varied heritage. Her upbringing in a family with strong political ties played a pivotal role in fostering her deep interest in social justice and feminist causes.
Throughout her childhood in Louisville, Redmon was raised alongside her three siblings: Walter, David, and Lee Ann. She attended Seneca High School in Louisville, where her academic potential began to take shape. After completing high school, Redmon pursued a higher education at the University of Louisville, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Her passion for history and social issues led her to the University of Kentucky, where she earned a Ph.D. in American History in 1974. This academic foundation set the stage for her future contributions to the feminist movement and academic scholarship.
Wiki/Bio Of Sherrill Redmon
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Sherrill Ann Redmon |
Date of Birth | February 1943 |
Age | 81 years |
Gender | Female |
Place of Birth | Louisville, Kentucky, United States |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Feminist historian, archivist, educator |
Height | 5feet 5inches |
Parents | Charles Redmon and Doris Redmon |
Siblings | Information unavailable |
Spouse | Mitch McConnell (married in 1968, divorced in 1980) |
Children | Eleanor McConnell, Claire McConnell, Porter McConnell |
Relationship Status | Divorced |
Net Worth | Estimated at $2 million |
Sherrill Redmon’s Early Life

Sherrill Lynn Redmon was born on February 6, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, where she spent her early years. She grew up in a family with diverse influences, as her father, Charles Redmon, worked as a dealer, and her mother, Doris Redmon, was a piano teacher. Sherrill was the second eldest of four siblings, having two sisters and one brother. During her childhood, she enjoyed the warmth of family life and the sense of community that shaped her formative years. Although her upbringing was rooted in American traditions, her family’s varied heritage contributed to a rich cultural foundation. Throughout her life, her Christian faith remained an essential part of her personal journey.
Sherrill Redmon’s Age
Sherrill Redmon was born on February 6, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky. As of 2024, she is 81 years old. Throughout her life, Redmon has made significant contributions to feminist scholarship and historical preservation, with her work in academia and activism continuing to inspire others. Her journey through various stages of personal and professional growth has shaped her into a respected figure in the fields of women’s history and social justice. Despite being in her 80s, Redmon’s influence and legacy continue to resonate, particularly through her leadership at Smith College and her advocacy for the preservation of women’s voices in history.
Sherrill Redmon’s Career

Sherrill Redmon has built a distinguished career as a feminist historian, archivist, and educator, making significant contributions to preserving and celebrating women’s history. In 1983, she joined the Sophia Smith Collection of Women’s History Archives at Smith College, one of the leading repositories for women’s historical materials in the United States. Two years later, in 1985, she assumed the role of director, where she oversaw the expansion and management of the collection, which includes over 700 archival materials, such as personal papers, organizational records, oral histories, photographs, audiovisuals, and publications.
Throughout her tenure, Redmon was responsible for ensuring the acquisition, preservation, and accessibility of these vital historical records. She also spearheaded various projects that documented and honored the contributions of women in activism and social movements. Notable initiatives include the Voices of Feminism Oral History Project, the Women’s Liberation Movement Print Culture Digital Collection, the Women of Color Oral History Project, and the Gloria Steinem Papers Project. Collaborating with influential feminist figures such as Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Angela Davis, Alice Walker, and bell hooks, Redmon played a pivotal role in collecting and sharing their stories and legacies. After retiring from Smith College in 2012, Redmon was honored with an honorary degree for her exceptional leadership and enduring impact in the field of women’s history.
Sherrill Redmon And Mitch McConnell Meet
Sherrill Redmon and Mitch McConnell first crossed paths in 1962 while they were both attending the University of Louisville. Their connection grew during their time in college, where they quickly became romantically involved. Though specific details about when they officially began dating are scarce, it is known that they spent several years together before making the commitment to marry. In 1968, the couple exchanged vows in a ceremony that marked the beginning of their life as husband and wife.
As their relationship progressed, McConnell’s career also began to take shape. In December 1977, nearly a decade after their wedding, McConnell was appointed as the Judge of Jefferson County. This role, which required significant time and attention, meant that he spent much of his time away from home, a factor that put added strain on their marriage. After 12 years together, in 1980, the couple made the difficult decision to part ways. Their divorce left many wondering about the reasons behind their separation, as the couple never publicly shared the specific cause. Following their divorce, McConnell remarried in 1993 to Elaine Chao, who, like Redmon, has had a significant presence in the political world. Chao served as the Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush and later as the Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump.
Sherrill Redmon And Mitch McConnell’s Marriage

Sherrill Redmon and Mitch McConnell’s journey as a couple began in 1962 when they met while attending the University of Louisville. Their bond deepened during their college years, eventually leading to marriage in 1968. The union marked the beginning of a shared life as McConnell embarked on his ambitious political career.
Over the years, McConnell’s professional trajectory began to demand significant attention, especially after his appointment as the Judge of Jefferson County in December 1977. This role required him to dedicate much of his time to public service, creating challenges in balancing personal and professional responsibilities. After 12 years of marriage, in 1980, the couple decided to divorce, leaving the reasons for their separation largely undisclosed. While their marriage ended, both went on to lead impactful lives—McConnell furthering his political career and Redmon carving her path in academia and feminist scholarship.
How Many Children Does Sherrill Redmon Have?
Sherrill Redmon is the proud mother of three daughters, all born during her 12-year marriage to Mitch McConnell. Their first child, Eleanor “Elly” McConnell, was born in 1972. Elly has carved out her own path as an environmentalist and is known for her political alignment as a registered Democrat. Her passion for environmental issues has led her to advocate for policies aimed at addressing climate change and preserving natural resources.
A few years later, in 1976, Sherrill and Mitch welcomed their second daughter, Claire McConnell. Claire has had a career in education, and in 2003, she was reported to have taught at the Hawthorne Valley School in New York. While there is little information available about her current career status, her teaching background reflects a commitment to fostering growth and learning in young people.
The couple’s third and final daughter, Porter McConnell, was born in 1979, just a year before the family’s divorce. Like her mother, Porter has embraced activism and politics. A feminist and strong advocate for social justice, she currently serves as the campaign director for “Take on Wall Street,” an organization dedicated to challenging corporate influence and advocating for economic reforms. Porter is vocal about her commitment to fighting for “economic, racial, and gender justice,” as she describes on her Twitter profile, and she continues to work toward these causes through grassroots efforts and public advocacy.
Sherrill Redmon’s Height And Weight
Attribute | Details |
Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) |
Weight | 58 kg (130 lbs) |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Grey |
Sherrill Redmon, standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall (1.65 meters), maintains a balanced weight of 58 kg (130 lbs). Her brown eyes and naturally grey hair complement her thoughtful and reflective personality. Throughout her life, Redmon has focused primarily on her intellectual and professional pursuits, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of feminist history. She identifies as straight and continues to inspire many through her work in preserving the stories of women in history.
Sherrill Redmon’s Education
Sherrill’s educational path began at Seneca High School in Louisville, where she laid the groundwork for her academic future. After completing high school, she pursued higher education at the University of Louisville, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her academic pursuits did not stop there; driven by a passion for learning, she went on to further her studies at the University of Kentucky. In 1974, Sherrill achieved a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in American History, solidifying her commitment to scholarship and deepening her expertise in the field.
Social Media Presence

Sherrill Redmon maintains an active online presence, where you can follow her on Twitter under the handle @RedmonSherrill and connect with her professionally on LinkedIn using her full name, Sherrill Redmon.
Sherrill Redmon’s Net Worth
As of recent evaluations, Sherrill Redmon’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $2 million. This wealth reflects her successful career as a feminist historian, archivist, and educator. Over the years, Redmon has accumulated assets from her work at Smith College, where she played a key role in expanding the Sophia Smith Collection of Women’s History Archives, as well as from her other professional endeavors. Her contributions to preserving women’s history and advocating for gender equality have significantly shaped her financial standing.
In terms of her annual income, Redmon is estimated to earn around $53,000, a figure that aligns with her extensive experience and expertise in the academic and historical fields. This income, coupled with her personal assets, supports her lifestyle and continued involvement in intellectual and feminist pursuits. Redmon’s financial position reflects the value of her work in academia and activism, solidifying her status as a respected figure in both the historical and feminist communities.
FAQs About Sherrill Redmon
Q: Who is Sherrill Redmon?
A: Sherrill Redmon is a feminist historian and archivist known for her leadership at Smith College’s Sophia Smith Collection of Women’s History Archives.
Q: What is her background?
A: Born in 1943, she earned a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in 1974 and became a key figure in feminist scholarship and history preservation.
Q: What role did she have at Smith College?
A: Redmon directed the Sophia Smith Collection from 1993 to 2012, focusing on diversifying the archive and collaborating with notable figures like Gloria Steinem.
Q: What is her relationship with Mitch McConnell?
A: Sherrill was married to Mitch McConnell from 1968 to 1980. They have three children together.
Q: How many children does she have?
A: Sherrill Redmon has three daughters: Elly, Porter, and Claire McConnell.
Q: What is her net worth?
A: Sherrill Redmon’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.
Q: What are her hobbies?
A: She enjoys reading, particularly works by Edgar Allan Poe and Franz Kafka.
Conclusion
Sherrill Redmon, born on February 6, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, is a renowned feminist scholar and historian with a remarkable academic background. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisville and a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Kentucky. After her divorce from Mitch McConnell, Redmon dedicated herself to feminist activism and scholarship, notably serving as the Director of the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College. There, she made significant strides in diversifying the archive, preserving the history of women’s rights activists, and collaborating with Gloria Steinem. Redmon’s personal life includes raising three daughters with McConnell and an enduring love for literature. With an estimated net worth of $2 million, she continues to inspire through her impactful contributions to women’s history and social justice, leaving a lasting legacy in the fields of education, archiving, and activism.
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