Answer Summary
As of his death in 2024, Robert Redford was married to his second wife, model and philanthropist Sibylle Redford (née Szaggars). He had been married first to actress Lola Van Wagenen from 1958 to 1985, and then to Sibylle from 2006 until his death. Therefore, yes, Robert Redford was legally married at the time of his death.
Robert Redford Marriage Timeline
First Marriage: Lola Van Wagenen (1958–1985)
Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958 after meeting at the University of Colorado. They had four children together—Scott, James, Kenneth, and Amy—and Redford credits her as a crucial partner through his early career challenges. The couple separated in the early 1980s and finalized their divorce in 1985, sharing custody of their children and maintaining a collaborative co-parenting relationship over the decades.
Between Marriages (1985–2006)
After his divorce, Redford was linked to several high-profile relationships but did not marry again during this period. He focused on his film career, activism, and building the Sundance brand, while raising his children and maintaining long-term friendships that occasionally attracted media speculation about possible remarriage.
Second Marriage: Sibylle Redford (2006–2024)
Redford married Sibylle Szaggars, a German-born model and philanthropist, in a private ceremony in 2006. The couple met in the early 2000s and chose to marry quietly away from the spotlight. Sibylle became his most enduring partnership, supporting him through personal and professional milestones and standing by him during his later years. At the time of his death in 2024, Sibylle was named as his surviving spouse in official statements and estate reports.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| First spouse | Lola Van Wagenen | Biographical records, interviews |
| Marriage 1 dates | 1958–1985 | Legal records, biographies |
| Second spouse | Sibylle Szaggars (Sibylle Redford) | Obituaries, estate documents |
| Marriage 2 dates | 2006–2024 | Legal records, family statements |
| Children from first marriage | Scott, James, Kenneth, Amy | Reliable biographies, interviews |
| Place of death & year | 2024, Montana residence | News reports, family announcement |
Relationship Context and Public Perception
Redford’s long first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen shaped much of his early public identity as a family-oriented figure, while his later marriage to Sibylle reflected a more private, later-life partnership. Media coverage of his relationships has generally respected his privacy, noting that his final years were marked by companionship and stability with Sibylle. The distinction between his two marriages is important when clarifying his relationship status at death.
Legal and Estate Implications
Because Redford was married to Sibylle at the time of his death, she became the primary surviving spouse in matters of estate and inheritance. In contrast, Lola Van Wagenen, while a significant former partner and co-parent, did not have spousal legal rights in his final years. This distinction matters for understanding probate, beneficiary designations, and family dynamics after his passing.
Common Misconceptions
A persistent myth holds that Redford died without being married or that he was still with Lola Van Wagenen at the end. In reality, he had remarried well before his health declined and remained legally married to Sibylle. Clarifying this timeline helps correct inaccurate reports and honors the relationships he actually had in his later years.
Conclusion
Robert Redford was married at the time of his death in 2024 to Sibylle Redford, his second wife and the person who survived him. His earlier marriage to Lola Van Wagenen ended in divorce in 1985. Understanding this sequence is essential for an accurate, fact-first view of Redford’s personal life and legacy.