Early Life and Education of Linda McMahon: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Linda McMahon. From birth to education, explore key events.

Linda McMahon is an American politician and business executive, best known for her involvement in professional wrestling. She served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 and is currently the United States Secretary of Education since 2025. Prior to her political career, McMahon, along with her husband Vince, built WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) into a global entertainment empire. She ran for U.S. Senate in Connecticut in 2010 and 2012, but was unsuccessful. Her career spans both the business world and the political arena.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

October 4, 1948: Linda McMahon's Birth

On October 4, 1948, Linda Marie Edwards (later McMahon) was born. She became a business executive, politician, and professional wrestling promoter.

Others born on this day/year

August 26, 1966: Marriage to Vince McMahon

On August 26, 1966, Linda Edwards, at age 17, married Vince McMahon, who was 21.

1966: Enrolled at East Carolina University

In 1966, Linda McMahon enrolled at East Carolina University to obtain a bachelor's degree in French.

1968: Vince McMahon's job

In 1968, Vince worked as a traveling cup salesman before joining his father's company.

1969: False claim of having a bachelor's degree

Days after her resignation, the Hartford Courant reported that Linda McMahon falsely claimed on a questionnaire to have received a bachelor's degree in education from East Carolina University in 1969.

1969: False Claim of Education Degree

In 1969, Linda McMahon claimed to have a degree in education from East Carolina University, but her degree was actually in French.

1969: Moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland

In 1969, the McMahons relocated to Gaithersburg, Maryland, where Linda McMahon worked as a receptionist at a corporate law firm, translated French documents, trained as a paralegal, and studied intellectual property rights.

1970: Birth of Son Shane

In 1970, Linda and Vince McMahon's son, Shane McMahon, was born.

1971: Vince joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation

In 1971, Vince McMahon joined his father's company, the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWF).

1976: Birth of Daughter Stephanie

In 1976, Linda and Vince McMahon's daughter, Stephanie McMahon, was born.

1976: Filed for Bankruptcy

In 1976, after failed business ventures, including Evel Knievel's Snake River Canyon Jump, and while pregnant with Stephanie, Linda McMahon and her husband filed for bankruptcy.

1983: Moved to Greenwich, Connecticut

In 1983, the McMahons moved to Greenwich, Connecticut.

January 2009: Appointment to Connecticut State Board of Education

In January 2009, Linda McMahon was appointed to the Connecticut State Board of Education by Governor Jodi Rell.

September 16, 2009: Resigned as CEO of WWE

On September 16, 2009, Linda McMahon resigned from her position as CEO of WWE to run for a seat in the United States Senate from Connecticut.

2009: Service on Connecticut Board of Education

In 2009, Linda McMahon began serving on the Connecticut Board of Education for one year.

April 1, 2010: Resignation from State Board of Education

On April 1, 2010, Linda McMahon resigned from the Connecticut State Board of Education. This was because state law does not allow board members to solicit campaign contributions.

2010: Hartford Courant Article

In 2010, the Hartford Courant published an article about Linda McMahon's false claim of having a degree in education from East Carolina University in 1969.

2015: Attended meeting of Republican donors

In 2015, Linda McMahon, along with Singer and Charles R. Schwab, attended a meeting of Republican donors near Jackson, Wyoming.

2016: Attended meeting of Republican donors

In 2016, Linda McMahon, along with Singer and Charles R. Schwab, attended a meeting of Republican donors near Jackson, Wyoming.

2025: Referral to Artificial Intelligence as A1

In 2025, while at ASU+GSV Summit on Education, Linda McMahon referred to Artificial Intelligence as A1, prompting the A1 sauce company to reply that every school should have access to A1 steak sauce.