Before stardom on Fox News, Hannity found controversy on college radio

Sean Hannity is well-known as one of television’s most influential figures. Hosting his own show, *Hannity*, on Fox News, he has amassed considerable wealth through his media career. While his professional achievements are widely recognized, details about his private life remain relatively private.

Hannity’s media career began in an unassuming way as a young paperboy. Although it was not a glamorous start, it marked the beginning of his journey in the industry. It took years of hard work for him to break into the media world, but he has since become a prominent name.

 

Born in New York City in 1961 and raised in Franklin Square on Long Island, Hannity grew up with Irish immigrant parents who worked in the justice system. He attended Catholic school and began his media career early, delivering newspapers at just eight years old.

 

After high school, Hannity worked in various restaurants to save money for college. He enrolled at Adelphi University but later transferred to New York University and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Although he did not graduate, Hannity shifted to the construction industry before returning to his passion for media.

 

In 1989, Hannity began his radio career with his first talk show, which quickly stirred controversy after he made a contentious comment about a lesbian mother, leading to his removal from the airwaves. Undeterred, he continued his career at conservative radio stations in Alabama.

 

Hannity’s persistence paid off in the mid-1990s when he achieved success in radio and transitioned to television. In 1996, he joined Fox News and co-hosted *Hannity & Colmes* with Alan Colmes. Eventually, he launched his own show, *Hannity*, which has become one of Fox News’s most popular programs.

 

Today, Hannity is one of the highest-paid political commentators, earning approximately $25 million annually. Despite his success, he remains dedicated to his work, maintaining a rigorous schedule and an intense workout routine, contributing to his net worth of about $300 million.

Hannity’s personal life has experienced its share of challenges. He met his former wife, Jill Rhodes, in Alabama, and they were married for over 20 years, having two children, Sean Patrick and Merri Kelly. They divorced in 2019 but continue to co-parent their children amicably.

Following his divorce, rumors surfaced about Hannity’s romantic life, with speculation that he was dating fellow Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt. While both have denied these claims, reports suggest that they have been involved for some time and were seen together during the pandemic.

While Sean Hannity’s personal life remains somewhat private, his professional journey—from a paperboy to a major television personality—reflects his determination and dedication. He has made a significant impact in the media industry and continues to shape the political discourse through his work.