Robert Redford, one of Hollywood’s most influential actors and a champion of independent cinema, passed away on September 16, 2025, at age 89, in his home in Sundance, Utah. He was surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, artist and environmental advocate Sibylle Szaggars Redford. His passing marked the end of an era defined by powerful storytelling, creative innovation, and a deeply meaningful personal life.
Many fans still search for updates about a “girlfriend,” but Redford spent the final decades of his life happily married. Understanding his relationship history reveals a life filled with profound partnership, resilience, and love.
Who Was Robert Redford’s Girlfriend?
Robert Redford did not have a girlfriend at the time of his death—he was married to Sibylle Szaggars Redford, his partner for nearly 30 years. They married in 2009 after more than a decade together and shared a quiet life in Sundance, where they pursued environmental work and artistic collaborations.
Their marriage represented the heart of Redford’s later years. Szaggars, a German-born multimedia artist, remained at his side through health challenges, creative milestones, and ultimately his peaceful passing.
Early Romance: Falling in Love With Lola Van Wagenen
Redford’s first major love story began long before Hollywood fame. He met Lola Van Wagenen in 1957, when he was 20 and she was 17, and the two eloped to Las Vegas on September 21, 1958. Their marriage became the foundation of his early adulthood during the uncertain years of his acting beginnings.
The couple endured hardship early on, losing their first child, Scott, to sudden infant death syndrome at just two months old. Despite the grief, they built a strong foundation and welcomed three more children while Redford’s career rapidly expanded.
Building a Family While His Career Rose
During the 1960s and 70s, as Redford earned iconic roles in The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Barefoot in the Park, he remained committed to family life. He and Lola raised Shauna, Jamie, and Amy, all of whom explored creative, academic, or activist paths inspired by their parents.
Their son Jamie became a respected documentary filmmaker and environmental advocate. His collaborations with Redford, including The Redford Center, reflected the family’s shared passion for conservation. Throughout this time, Lola balanced motherhood and activism, becoming a notable voice for environmental and consumer causes.
End of the First Marriage
After 27 years of marriage, Redford and Lola quietly divorced in 1985. The separation came without public scandal and maintained the dignity that defined their relationship.
Lola continued a successful academic and activist career, eventually remarrying. Redford remained deeply connected to their children and often credited Lola for influencing his values, especially regarding education, justice, and the environment.
Romantic Interludes After Divorce
Between the late 1980s and mid-1990s, Redford was linked to several women, though he kept his personal life private. One notable connection was with Sônia Braga, whom he met during work on The Milagro Beanfield War. Their relationship highlighted Redford’s affinity for partners who shared artistic depth.
He was later linked to Swedish actress Lena Olin in 1989–1990, followed by a relationship with Kathy O’Rear through the early 90s. These relationships reflected a period of rediscovery before the next major chapter of his life.
Meeting Sibylle Szaggars: A New Beginning
Redford met Sibylle Szaggars in 1996 at his Sundance Resort. She was an accomplished artist exploring themes of nature and spirituality, and her grounded, creative energy resonated deeply with him. Their shared love for environmental advocacy strengthened their connection over the years that followed.
Szaggars founded The Way of the Rain, an arts nonprofit aligned with Redford’s conservation work. Their collaboration created a lasting synergy between art, environmentalism, and community engagement.
A Lasting Marriage Filled With Purpose
The couple married on July 11, 2009, in Hamburg, Germany, in a ceremony honoring Szaggars’ origins. Their bond flourished as they shared a life centered on art, nature, and global awareness.
In the years before Redford’s passing, they continued attending Sundance events together, often appearing hand-in-hand while celebrating independent filmmaking. Their private life in Utah reflected serenity, creativity, and profound companionship.
Redford’s On-Screen Romances and Real-Life Parallels
Redford’s unforgettable romantic roles often mirrored his real-life charm and emotional depth. Films like The Way We Were, Out of Africa, and The Horse Whisperer showcased characters grappling with love, loss, and resilience—reflecting themes seen throughout his personal journey.
Audiences connected with the authenticity he brought to these roles, much of which stemmed from the real tenderness and integrity he lived by.
Health, Passing, and Legacy
There were no verified reports of a specific illness leading to Redford’s death. Descriptions of his passing emphasize peace and family presence, suggesting natural causes related to age.
Redford’s legacy, however, extends far beyond cinema. His founding of the Sundance Film Festival transformed independent filmmaking worldwide. His activism, particularly for environmental and Indigenous causes, will influence generations.
Szaggars continues their shared mission through her art and advocacy, honoring his memory in the work they built together.
Conclusion
Robert Redford’s romantic life reflects a story of deep love, resilience, and lasting connection. From his youthful marriage to Lola Van Wagenen, through quieter relationships during midlife, to his enduring partnership with Sibylle Szaggars, love guided much of his personal world.
At the time of his death in 2025, Redford was not with a girlfriend—he was with the woman who had been his partner for nearly 30 years and his wife for more than 15. Their bond, built on shared purpose and devotion, remained unbroken until his final day. As fans honor his contributions to film and activism, his love story with Szaggars stands as a beautiful final chapter.