What To Know
- Born in 1938 in Provo, Utah, Lola was a historic preservationist and activist with a sharp intellect and a passion for social causes.
- Lola was instrumental during Redford’s rise to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, a period that saw him star in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973).
- Their marriage was marked by a shared commitment to art and conservation, with Sibylle supporting Redford’s work through the Sundance Institute and the Redford Center, which he co-founded with his son Jamie.
Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, lived a life as captivating off-screen as it was on-screen. A key part of his personal story was his relationships with two remarkable women: Lola Van Wagenen, his first wife and mother of his children, and Sibylle Szaggars (also known as Kibbe or Kibby Turner in some contexts), his second wife and artistic partner. Both women played significant roles in Redford’s life, supporting his career and sharing his passion for art and activism. Let’s explore the stories of these two women and their impact on the Hollywood icon, who passed away on September 16, 2025, at age 89.
Lola Van Wagenen: The First Love and Family Anchor
Lola Van Wagenen was Robert Redford’s first wife, and their 27-year marriage laid the foundation for his family and early career. Born in 1938 in Provo, Utah, Lola was a historic preservationist and activist with a sharp intellect and a passion for social causes. She met Redford in high school in Van Nuys, California, when he was a budding artist and athlete, and she was a bright, driven student. The couple married on August 9, 1958, in a private ceremony, beginning a partnership that would span nearly three decades.
Lola was instrumental during Redford’s rise to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, a period that saw him star in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973). While Redford navigated Hollywood, Lola pursued her own path, earning a Ph.D. in American history from New York University and co-founding organizations like Consumer Action Now and the environmental history group Clio Visualizing History. Her activism influenced Redford’s growing commitment to environmental causes, which later materialized in the creation of the Sundance Institute and Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah.
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Together, Robert and Lola raised four children: Scott (who tragically died in 1959 from SIDS), Jamie (1962–2023), Shauna (born 1960), and Amy (born 1970). The couple faced profound challenges, including the loss of their firstborn, but their bond remained strong through Redford’s demanding career. They split their time between New York and Utah, fostering a family grounded in creativity and social awareness. Despite their divorce in 1985, they remained amicable, united by their children and shared values. Lola continued her work in historical preservation and education, leaving a legacy of her own.
Sibylle Szaggars: The Artistic Muse
Sibylle Szaggars, often referred to as Kibbe or Kibby Turner in some sources, was Redford’s second wife and a creative force in her own right. Born in 1957 in Hamburg, Germany, Sibylle is a painter and multimedia artist known for her vibrant, abstract works inspired by nature and environmental themes. She met Redford in the mid-1980s at the Sundance Resort, where she worked as a waitress before her art career took off. Their connection, rooted in a mutual love for creativity and the natural world, blossomed over time.
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Redford and Sibylle married in 2009 in a quiet ceremony in Hamburg, after more than two decades together. At the time, Redford was 73, and Sibylle was 52, marking a new chapter for the actor, who was then focusing on directing and philanthropy. Sibylle’s art complemented Redford’s vision for Sundance, and she became a collaborator in his environmental advocacy. Her large-scale paintings, often incorporating natural elements like rain and earth, were exhibited in galleries across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., and she created multimedia projects like The Way of the Rain, a performance piece blending art, music, and environmental messaging.
The couple lived between homes in Utah, Santa Fe, and Napa Valley, with Sibylle’s artistic studio serving as a creative hub. Their marriage was marked by a shared commitment to art and conservation, with Sibylle supporting Redford’s work through the Sundance Institute and the Redford Center, which he co-founded with his son Jamie. They divorced amicably in 2023, citing mutual respect and a desire to pursue individual paths. Sibylle continues her work as an artist, carrying forward her environmental activism through her art.
Two Women, One Legacy
Lola Van Wagenen and Sibylle Szaggars represent different chapters in Robert Redford’s life, each leaving a unique imprint. Lola was the steadfast partner who helped build the Redford family, raising their children and shaping Redford’s early environmental ethos. Sibylle, with her artistic spirit, was a muse and collaborator during Redford’s later years, amplifying his passion for creativity and the planet. Both women, through their own accomplishments, complemented Redford’s legacy as a filmmaker and activist.
As we remember Robert Redford, it’s clear that Lola and Sibylle were more than just his wives—they were partners in his journey, helping to weave a tapestry of art, family, and purpose that continues to inspire. bly in 2023. Though they parted ways, their shared passion for art and the environment left a lasting impact on Redford’s later years. Kibby continued her artistic pursuits, while Redford remained focused on his family and legacy until his passing.
