The Untold Story Of Robert Redford's Wives: 5 Facts About Sibylle Szaggars, The Environmental Artist Who Gave Him 'A Whole New Life'
The enduring fascination with Robert Redford's private life has only intensified following the passing of the legendary actor and filmmaker on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89. While his first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen spanned decades and produced his four children, it is his second wife, Sibylle Szaggars Redford, who has been the quiet, creative force in his life for nearly three decades, right up until his death.
As of this current date, December 19, 2025, the world continues to reflect on Redford's legacy, and the focus has shifted to the woman he credited with giving him "a whole new life." Sibylle Szaggars, a German-born multimedia environmental artist, has recently broken her silence to share a tearful tribute to her beloved husband, revealing the depth of their private, artistic connection.
Sibylle Szaggars Redford: A Biographical Profile and Creative Force
Sibylle Szaggars Redford is far more than just "Robert Redford's wife"; she is an established visual artist with a career spanning over 40 years. Her work, which includes oil painting, photography, and multimedia installations, is deeply informed by her spiritual connection to nature and a passionate focus on environmental themes.
- Full Name: Sibylle Szaggars Redford
- Occupation: Multimedia Environmental Artist (Painter, Photographer, Filmmaker)
- Nationality: German (Born)
- Marriage to Robert Redford: Married 2009 (Began relationship in 1996)
- Key Artistic Focus: Environmental preservation, spiritual connection to nature, and the "Raindrops" project.
- Recent Residence: Relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2024, where she maintains an art studio.
The Two Great Loves: Lola Van Wagenen and Sibylle Szaggars
Robert Redford's romantic life was defined by two long-term marriages, each representing a distinct chapter in his life. Understanding his relationship with Sibylle requires a look back at the foundation built with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen.
The Foundation: Lola Van Wagenen (1958–1985)
Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, a time before his career had fully exploded into global stardom. Their marriage, which lasted 27 years, was a private anchor during his rise to fame in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting.
The couple welcomed four children together, navigating the challenges of Hollywood's spotlight and personal tragedy. Their first son, Scott Anthony, tragically died just two months after his birth. Their surviving children are Shauna Redford, James Redford (who also passed away in 2020), and Amy Redford.
Lola Van Wagenen, a historian and environmental activist, maintained a life largely outside the Hollywood bubble. The couple divorced in 1985, but they remained committed to their family and the projects they co-founded, notably the Sundance Institute.
A New Chapter: Meeting Sibylle Szaggars at Sundance
More than a decade after his divorce, Redford found his second great love in Sibylle Szaggars. The two met in 1996 at the Sundance Mountain Resort, the very place Redford had established to champion independent filmmaking and creativity.
Their relationship blossomed quietly over more than a decade before they officially married in a private ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, in 2009.
Redford was famously attracted to Szaggars because she was an artist who was not primarily focused on his fame. According to reports, she was one of the few people who didn’t seem to know who he was, which was a refreshing change for the iconic star.
The Environmental Legacy of Sibylle Szaggars Redford's Art
Sibylle Szaggars Redford's career is defined by her dedication to environmental causes, an interest she shared deeply with her late husband, who was a lifelong conservationist. Her art is not merely decorative; it is a form of activism and a call to action.
The 'Raindrops' Project and Multimedia Installations
One of her most significant projects is "The Raindrops," a collection of multimedia works that focus on the vital role of water and the devastating effects of climate change. This work often incorporates collaborations with musicians and poets, turning her art into a powerful, immersive experience.
Her dedication to this cause led her to become a recipient of the prestigious Art in Embassies award, with her work exhibited in numerous countries, including Europe, Monaco, Japan, Singapore, and Peru.
The couple's shared passion for the environment was a cornerstone of their marriage. They spent much of their time at their properties in Utah and recently relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Sibylle continues her work in a new studio space.
A Quiet Life Away from the Spotlight
Unlike many celebrity marriages, Redford and Szaggars prioritized privacy. They were rarely seen on the red carpet, preferring the quiet solitude of their homes in the American West. Redford often spoke of the peace and inspiration she brought to his life, a sentiment that underscored the depth of their connection.
Their life together was a blend of artistic endeavor and quiet support. She provided him with a sanctuary from the relentless demands of Hollywood, allowing him to focus on his later-career work and his passion for the Sundance Institute.
The Widow's Tribute: Breaking Her Silence After His Passing
Following Robert Redford's death in September 2025, the artist who had largely remained out of the public eye finally shared her grief. Her tearful tribute highlighted the immense void left by the man she had loved for nearly 30 years.
The details emerging from the time leading up to his death suggest a deep, loving bond. Reports indicate that in the weeks before his passing, Redford revealed his final, heartbreaking wish to Sibylle. This emotional revelation underscores her role as his confidante and partner until the very end.
Sibylle Szaggars Redford is now tasked with preserving the memory of her husband while continuing her own significant artistic journey. Her work, particularly her focus on environmental activism, serves as a continuing echo of the values they both cherished.
As the world remembers the iconic actor, it is clear that his final years were enriched and defined by the quiet, powerful presence of his second wife—a woman who saw him not as a star, but as a man, and who inspired him to embrace a "whole new life" of creative and spiritual fulfillment.
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