Who is Anne Steves? Untold Story of Rick Steves’ Ex-Wife

Anne Steves is best known as a nurse, social activist, and the former wife of travel writer and TV host Rick Steves, but her story goes far beyond that public connection. Throughout her life, Anne has chosen a quiet path dedicated to helping others, supporting her family, and living with strong personal values. Her long marriage to Rick Steves, which lasted from 1984 to 2010, placed her indirectly in the spotlight, yet she consistently avoided public attention. This Anne Steves biography explores her early life, her years as Rick Steves’ wife, her career as a nurse, and her life after their divorce. For readers searching for “Who is Anne Steves?” or “Rick Steves’ ex-wife,” this detailed profile covers every known part of her journey, including her background, marriage, children, divorce, activism, and personal approach to living peacefully outside the public eye.

Anne Steves Profile Summary

Early Life and Background

Anne Steves was born on April 4, 1960, in Snohomish, Washington, a small and close-knit community in the Pacific Northwest. Growing up in Snohomish meant living in a calm town surrounded by nature and strong local values. Her upbringing was rooted in Christianity, family tradition, and a strong sense of responsibility. Because Anne has always preferred a private life, very few details about her early years or education have been publicly shared. What is known, however, is that she grew up in an environment that shaped her into a caring, responsible, and community-focused person. These early influences became an important foundation for her later nursing career and activism.

Age and Physical Appearance

As of 2024, Anne Steves is 64 years old, having been born in 1960. She stands at about 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and weighs around 128 pounds (58 kg). Her brown hair and grey eyes reflect her calm and natural appearance. Public photographs of Anne are limited because she lived most of her life outside the spotlight, unlike many spouses of public figures. Her appearance has never been a focus of media attention, mostly because Anne deliberately chose to stay private and avoid the publicity that often surrounds celebrities and their families.

Education and Career Path

Although exact details about Anne Steves’ educational background remain private, it is known that she pursued the training required to become a registered nurse, a career requiring dedication, discipline, and compassion. Nursing became a natural fit for Anne, who has always been drawn to caring for others and contributing positively to her community. Beyond her work as a nurse, Anne has also been involved in various forms of social activism, supporting community health programs, charitable events, and service-focused organizations. Her work has always been quiet and grounded, reflecting her preference for meaningful contribution over recognition or fame.

Meeting Rick Steves – The Beginning of Their Love Story

Anne met Rick Steves in Washington, where both shared similar values, including faith, curiosity, and a love for simple living. They dated for several years before deciding to build a life together. Their relationship grew strong because they valued family, community, and personal growth over material things. Even before their marriage, Anne and Rick lived a very private romantic life, avoiding public attention and focusing on building a stable foundation together. Their compatibility and shared respect helped them create a meaningful partnership that lasted more than two decades.

Marriage to Rick Steves (1984–2010)

Wedding and Early Married Life

Anne and Rick married in 1984, holding an intimate wedding ceremony at St. Thomas of Villanova in Pennsylvania. Their early years together were filled with travel, young family life, and supporting Rick as he worked to build his travel business. While Rick explored Europe and wrote travel guides, Anne took on the responsibility of maintaining stability at home and raising their two children.

Anne’s Role in Rick Steves’ Career

Although Anne was not directly involved in Rick’s television shows or guidebooks, her support was essential. She managed many responsibilities at home so Rick could focus on building his career. She handled childcare, home life, and emotional support, which allowed Rick to spend long periods traveling for research and filming. Anne’s influence on Rick Steves’ success was subtle but meaningful, forming the quiet foundation behind many of his achievements.

Public Perception vs. Private Reality

While Rick Steves became a well-known public figure, Anne avoided media attention. She preferred to keep her home life private and never appeared on his shows. Behind the scenes, she worked hard to maintain a loving and grounded environment for their family, making sure their children grew up with strong values despite their father’s fame.

Who Is Rick Steves?

Rick Steves is a famous American travel writer, TV host, and author best known for his PBS show “Rick Steves’ Europe.” Born on May 10, 1955, Rick built a successful career creating guidebooks and teaching Americans how to travel safely and affordably through Europe. Beyond travel, Rick is also known for activism, especially in housing rights, environmental causes, and progressive issues.

Children of Anne and Rick Steves

Anne and Rick have two children, both of whom followed creative and travel-related paths:

• Andy Steves – A travel entrepreneur and author who founded Weekend Student Adventures (WSA), specializing in budget travel for students in Europe.

• Jackie Steves – A writer, traveler, and occasional contributor to her father’s projects and travel content.

Anne played a major role in raising them, especially because Rick spent large amounts of time traveling for work. She instilled in them the values of independence, curiosity, and humility.

Divorce and Separation – What Happened?

After 26 years of marriage, Anne and Rick Steves quietly divorced in 2010 at Snohomish Superior Court. The exact reasons for their separation were never made public, as both chose to keep the details private. Many have speculated that Rick’s demanding travel schedule and lifestyle may have contributed to the strain. Despite the divorce, Anne remained respectful and did not engage in any public discussion about their relationship. They continued to co-parent their children with maturity and shared responsibility.

Life After Divorce – Anne’s Quiet Journey

Following the divorce, Anne stepped completely away from public attention. She returned to focusing on her nursing career, community service, and personal growth. Anne continued to live a peaceful life in Washington, staying committed to the same values she held throughout her marriage: humility, service, and privacy. Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities, Anne never gave interviews or sought any publicity, choosing instead to create a calm and meaningful life for herself.

Career as a Nurse and Social Activist

Anne’s nursing career is a major part of her identity. She has worked quietly in healthcare, offering care and support to patients in need. In addition to nursing, she has been involved in charity work, community events, and various social causes, including programs related to community health and social welfare. Her compassionate personality made her well-respected by colleagues and community members.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Anne Steves’ net worth is not publicly confirmed, but estimates place it between $500,000 and $10 million, factoring in her nursing income and possible divorce settlement. She never lived a flashy or luxurious lifestyle; instead, she focused on practicality and helping others. In contrast, her ex-husband, Rick Steve, has an estimated net worth of around $15 million, due to his travel books, shows, and public appearances.

Rick Steves’ Life After Divorce

Since separating from Anne, Rick has not remarried but has been in a long-term relationship with Shelley Bryan Wee, a Lutheran bishop, since 2019. In 2024, Rick publicly shared that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was preparing for surgery. Despite health challenges, he continues to work, travel, and produce new content for his audience.

Public Image and Personality

Anne Steves is known for her quiet strength, kindness, and preference for privacy. Even when she was married to a famous travel host, she never sought attention or fame. Her humility and dedication to service shaped her public image as someone who values compassion and personal integrity over recognition.

Legacy and Influence

Although she lived away from the spotlight, Anne Steves had a meaningful impact on her family and community. Her role in supporting Rick Steves during his rise, raising two successful children, and dedicating her life to nursing make her a significant figure in her own right. Her legacy is one of service, love, humility, and quiet strength, showing that influence does not always need to be public to be powerful.

Conclusion

Anne Steves is far more than “Rick Steves’ ex-wife.” She is a devoted mother, a compassionate nurse, and a committed social activist who built a meaningful life grounded in privacy and service. Her story shows the strength of someone who chooses a quiet path while still making a deep impact on her family and community. Anne’s life remains an example of dignity, independence, and genuine care for others.

(FAQs)

1. Who is Anne Steves?

Anne Steves is an American nurse and social activist, best known as the former wife of travel writer and TV host Rick Steves. She spent more than two decades supporting her family while quietly contributing to her community. Even today, she prefers a private life away from media attention.

2. How old is Anne Steves?

Anne Steves was born on April 4, 1960, making her 64 years old as of 2024. Despite her age, she remains active in her professional and personal life. Her calm lifestyle and private personality contribute to her youthful approach to life.

3. What does Anne Steves do for a living?

Anne Steves works as a nurse and is also involved in various social causes. She has spent years serving patients with compassion and supporting community-based programs. Her career reflects her dedication to helping others quietly and consistently.

4. When did Anne and Rick Steves get married and divorced?

Anne and Rick Steves married in 1984 in a private ceremony at St. Thomas of Villanova. After more than 26 years of marriage, they divorced in 2010. Both chose to keep the reason for their separation private out of respect for their family.

5. Why did Anne Steves and Rick Steves divorce?

The exact reason for their divorce has never been publicly revealed. Many believe Rick’s constant travel and demanding work schedule may have contributed to the strain. However, Anne remained respectful and never discussed their private matters publicly.

6. Do Anne and Rick Steves have children?

Yes, the couple has two children: Andy Steves and Jackie Steves. Both have pursued careers related to travel, following in their father’s footsteps. Anne played a major role in raising them, especially during Rick’s long travel periods.

7. What is Anne Steves’ net worth?

Anne Steves’ estimated net worth ranges from $500,000 to $10 million. This includes her earnings from her nursing career and any private financial arrangements after her divorce. She lives a simple, peaceful lifestyle without public display of wealth.

8. Where is Anne Steves now?

Anne Steves lives a quiet life in Washington, staying away from publicity. She continues her work in nursing and focuses on social activism and personal well-being. Her decision to remain private reflects her long-standing preference for a peaceful, independent life.

Balzaro Magazine