The world said goodbye to a true icon on September 16, 2025, as Robert Redford passed away peacefully at his beloved Sundance home in Utah, surrounded by those who meant the most to him. At 89, Redford left behind a legacy not only of groundbreaking cinema and environmental activism but also of a rich, deeply personal family story. While fans celebrated his roles in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, those closest to him cherished the man behind the legend—a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who valued love and resilience above all else.
Redford’s personal life was a tapestry of joy and heartbreak, shaped by two marriages and the profound loss of two kids. His journey began in 1958 when he married his first wife, historian Lola Van Wagenen, with whom he shared nearly three decades and four children. After their divorce, he found love again with artist Sibylle Szaggars, whom he married in 2009. Through it all, Redford often spoke of family as his anchor, a source of inspiration that grounded him amidst the glare of Hollywood fame.
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A Love Story For the Ages: Sibylle Szaggars and Blended Family Life
Robert Redford’s relationship with his second wife, Sibylle Szaggars, was a testament to finding love later in life. They met in 1996 at his Sundance Mountain Resort, and what drew Redford to her was something simple yet profound: she had no idea who he was. As he later shared, their connection was built on authenticity, not fame. “It began as two human beings meeting each other and finding a connection,” he recalled. After over a decade together, they married in a private ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, in July 2009. Redford wore a crisp white suit, while Sibylle chose an elegant champagne-colored gown.
Sibylle, an internationally recognized environmental artist, shared Redford’s passion for nature and conservation. Her work, which includes oil paintings, photography, and performance art, often highlights themes of environmental activism—a cause close to both their hearts. Though they never had kids together, Sibylle embraced her role as stepmother to Redford’s children from his first marriage. Their shared commitment to creativity and the environment made them a dynamic duo, both in life and in advocacy.
The Redford Kids: Legacy of Love and Loss
Robert Redford’s children—Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy—were at the center of his world, though their stories were marked by both triumph and tragedy. His first son, Scott, was born in 1959 but died just two months later from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The loss was devastating and left a permanent mark on Redford, shaping his perspective on life and family.
Shauna, born in 1960, grew away from the Hollywood spotlight and became an artist. She has two kids, Mica and Conor, and has maintained a private life focused on her family and creative pursuits. James, known affectionately as “Jamie,” was born in 1962 and followed in his father’s footsteps as a filmmaker and philanthropist. He directed documentaries and advocated for organ donation after surviving two liver transplants. Tragically, Jamie took her final breath in October 2020 at age 58 after a battle with bile-duct cancer. His death was a heartbreaking blow to the family, reopening old wounds while reminding them of the fragility of life.
Amy, the youngest, born in 1970, became an actress and director, carrying on the family’s creative tradition. She has three children, including twins, and has worked to keep the Redford legacy alive through her own artistic endeavors. Together, the siblings and their kids have continued to champion the values Redford held dear—storytelling, environmentalism, and the importance of loved ones.
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Despite the heartbreaks, Robert Redford’s role as a father and grandfather remained his proudest achievement. His grandchildren—Dylan, Lena, and others—have already begun to make their mark in the arts, ensuring that the Redford name will continue to inspire for generations to come. As the family mourns his passing, they also celebrate a life filled with love, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to those he held dear.
