Jay Rockefeller Wife Sharon Percy Was First Lady of West Virginia and Mother of Four

The death of former U.S. Senator and West Virginia Governor Jay Rockefeller at the age of 89 has brought renewed attention to his personal life, particularly his longtime marriage to Sharon Percy Rockefeller.

Jay Rockefeller, a member of the prominent Rockefeller family, died at his home in Washington on November 6, 2026, according to reports. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their four children.

While Jay Rockefeller spent decades in American politics, his wife, Sharon Percy Rockefeller, also established an impressive career of her own.

She served as the First Lady of West Virginia from 1977 to 1985 and later became a prominent public broadcasting executive. The couple shared nearly six decades of marriage and raised four children together.

Late Jay Rockefeller Married His Wife Sharon Percy’s April 1, 1967, in Chicago

Teir wedding attracted considerable public attention because they belonged to two prominent American families. Sharon was the daughter of former Illinois Republican Senator Charles H. Percy, while Jay came from the well-known Rockefeller family.

Following their marriage, the couple built their family life together while Jay pursued his political career. They eventually settled in West Virginia, where Jay served as governor from 1977 to 1985. During those years, Sharon became the state’s First Lady and actively participated in community initiatives.

Sharon Percy Rockefeller is more than just the wife of a former senator. She is an accomplished broadcasting executive who graduated from Stanford University. She has served as president and chief executive officer of WETA, Washington, D.C.’s flagship public media station, since 1989. She also became president of NewsHour Productions LLC in 2014.

Her contributions to public broadcasting, education, and the arts earned her the National Medal of Arts in 2019. Despite her husband’s long political career, Sharon maintained her own professional identity and leadership responsibilities.

Sharon Percy Rockefeller Served as First Lady of West Virginia

Sharon Percy Rockefeller served as the First Lady of West Virginia from January 17, 1977, to January 14, 1985. Her husband, Jay Rockefeller, served two consecutive terms as the state’s governor during this period.

However, Sharon’s role extended beyond attending official ceremonies and representing the governor’s family. She actively supported social and community initiatives, particularly those involving education, public broadcasting, women, and vulnerable communities.

According to the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, she promoted the Public Broadcasting System and helped establish a centralized assistance system for children with intellectual disabilities.

She also founded Mountain Artisans, a quilting business designed to provide economic opportunities for low-income women in West Virginia.

In addition, Sharon campaigned to reduce utility costs and improve care for elderly residents. Her involvement in these initiatives made her an active participant in the state’s social and community development during her husband’s administration

Jay Rockefeller and Sharon Percy Rockefeller Have Four Children

Jay Rockefeller and his wife, Sharon Percy Rockefeller, welcomed four children during their marriage. Although their parents were frequently in the public spotlight, the children largely maintained their own lives and careers.

Their four children are John Davison (Jamie) Rockefeller V, Valerie Blanchette Rockefeller, Charles Rockefeller, and Justin Aldrich Rockefeller.

The couple’s family also grew over the years as their children established families of their own. According to Sharon’s official WETA biography, she and Jay Rockefeller have eight grandchildren