Robert Redford Spends Final Days in Beloved Sundance Community, Leaving Enduring Legacy
Robert Redford, the iconic actor and founder of the Sundance Institute, spent his last days surrounded by the tranquility of the Sundance community in Utah, far from the lights of Hollywood and the glamour of international film festivals. Redford passed away at his home on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89, enveloped by the mountains, forests, and natural beauty that had defined his later life.
“Robert Redford passed away at his home in Sundance, Utah — the place he loved and where he was surrounded by those he cared about,” confirmed his publicist. Sundance stands not only as a cultural landmark but also as a deeply personal refuge for Redford, with every pine tree, snow-covered trail, and quiet corner reflecting his connection to the land.
The Sundance community held special significance for Redford and his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, a multimedia artist and environmental advocate. The couple met at Sundance Mountain Resort in 1996 and married in 2009. Their mountain home, originally owned by Szaggars, became a source of inspiration and serenity, nestled among towering pines and overlooking Mount Timpanogos, surrounded by waterfalls and untamed trails — a true reflection of their shared love for nature. Although Szaggars later moved to Santa Fe to focus on her art, the home remains a lasting symbol of their life together.
Sundance Mountain Resort itself embodies Redford’s vision of harmony between art, nature, and community. Unlike the larger, commercial ski resorts in Utah, Sundance was intentionally designed to preserve the environment. Redford first discovered Provo Canyon in the late 1950s and fell in love with its pristine landscape. In 1961, he purchased two acres near a small ski area called Timp Haven, aiming not to create a flashy resort but to protect the land and create a sanctuary for future generations.
Over time, Redford expanded his holdings to thousands of acres, placing much of the property under conservation easements to prevent development. The ski area remains modest at 500 acres, intentionally integrated into the forest and positioned quietly at the base of Mount Timpanogos, ensuring the natural beauty of the region remains intact.
From his private home to the resort, every part of Sundance reflects Redford’s profound respect for the environment and commitment to conservation. It was more than a place to live — it was where his values were realized, and where his enduring legacy of environmental stewardship, creativity, and community continues to thrive.