Kathryn Burrhus is best known as the first wife of WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and his high school sweetheart from Texas. She was by his side during his early years, long before fame and success came his way, offering support while he worked to build his wrestling career. Their marriage marked the beginning of Austin’s personal journey, reflecting a time of love, loyalty, and youthful dreams. Although their relationship ended in divorce in 1992, Kathryn’s quiet strength and decision to live a private life have made her one of the most intriguing and respectful figures connected to Austin’s past.
Kathryn Burrhus Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kathryn Burrhus |
| Date of Birth | August 29, 1952 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 73 years old |
| Birthplace | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Religion | Christian (assumed) |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Steve Austin, m. 1990 – div. 1992) |
| Children | None |
| Known For | First wife of WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin |
| Occupation | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Attended Edna High School, Texas |
| Current Residence | Believed to be living in Texas, USA |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $200,000 – $1 million (unconfirmed) |
| Current Status | Living a private life away from the public eye |
Early Life and Background
Kathryn Burrhus was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where she grew up in a close-knit community that valued family, respect, and hard work. Her upbringing was simple and peaceful, shaped by the warmth of small-town life in Texas. She attended Edna High School, where she developed a reputation for being intelligent, kind, and grounded. Those who knew her describe her as a calm and supportive young woman who valued education and relationships over material things. Her early life was far from fame or entertainment, but it gave her strong values and a modest lifestyle that she carried into adulthood. These traits later helped her stay composed and dignified even after her connection to one of wrestling’s biggest stars.
High School Years and Meeting Steve Austin
Kathryn Burrhus met Steve Austin (then known as Steve Williams) during their high school years in Texas. They quickly became close, bonding over shared interests and dreams for the future. Their relationship grew naturally through school events, local gatherings, and shared experiences as teenagers in a small town. Friends and classmates often described them as the “perfect couple” — loyal, affectionate, and inseparable. At a time when both were discovering who they wanted to be, Kathryn’s steady personality complemented Austin’s athletic and ambitious spirit. Their high school romance marked the beginning of a lifelong memory that would later become a key chapter in Austin’s personal journey.
From Sweethearts to Marriage
After several years of dating and growing up together, Kathryn and Steve decided to take their relationship to the next level. The couple married on November 24, 1990, after being together since their teenage years. At the time, Steve Austin was still working hard to establish himself in the world of professional wrestling, competing in smaller regional promotions. Kathryn stood by him through financial struggles, long travels, and uncertain career prospects. Their early married life was simple and full of hope — Kathryn provided emotional stability while Austin focused on his growing passion for wrestling. Their home life reflected love, patience, and a shared belief in each other’s potential, even when fame seemed far away.
Marriage Challenges and Divorce
Despite their strong start, Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin’s marriage faced increasing challenges as Austin’s wrestling career began to rise. His growing success required frequent travel, training, and time away from home, which slowly created emotional distance between the couple. Kathryn, who valued a quiet and private lifestyle, found it difficult to adjust to the demands of Austin’s fast-paced and public profession. During this time, Austin became involved with Jeannie Clarke, a fellow professional in the wrestling industry, which further strained the marriage. These issues eventually led to their separation, and their divorce was finalized on August 7, 1992. Although the relationship ended, Kathryn handled it privately and gracefully, choosing not to speak publicly about the matter or seek attention from the media.
Who Is Steve Austin?
Steve Austin, born Steven James Anderson on December 18, 1964, in Austin, Texas, is one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling. Known worldwide as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, he became a six-time WWE Champion and three-time Royal Rumble winner. His rebellious persona, famous catchphrases, and fierce feuds with WWE chairman Vince McMahon helped define the company’s “Attitude Era” in the late 1990s. Beyond wrestling, Austin has also worked as an actor, TV host, and podcast personality, starring in shows like Broken Skull Ranch Challenge and Straight Up Steve Austin. His transformation from a struggling young athlete to a global superstar remains one of wrestling’s greatest success stories — a journey that began long before fame, during his time with Kathryn Burrhus.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Steve Austin in 1992, Kathryn Burrhus stepped completely away from the public spotlight. Unlike many connected to celebrities, she chose privacy over publicity and never gave interviews or wrote about her experiences. She has no verified social media presence and has never appeared in public events related to Austin or WWE. It is believed that she continued living in Texas, possibly focusing on a simple, private lifestyle centered around personal and community interests. Her decision to remain quiet and independent has earned her respect among fans who admire her discretion and dignity.
Career and Personal Life
There is very little public information about Kathryn Burrhus’s professional career, as she never discussed her work life publicly. Some sources suggest she may have been involved in small businesses or local community work in Texas, but these details are unconfirmed. What stands out most is her strong commitment to privacy and independence. She never sought fame or financial benefit from her connection to Steve Austin. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is between $200,000 and $1 million, though no official records verify this. Kathryn’s quiet lifestyle reflects her preference for peace and normalcy rather than public recognition.
Impact on Steve Austin’s Life
Kathryn Burrhus played an important role in Steve Austin’s early life before he became a wrestling superstar. She was there during his formative years, offering emotional and moral support while he pursued his dreams in the challenging world of wrestling. Their relationship gave Austin stability and grounding when his career was just beginning. While their marriage ended before his global success, Kathryn’s influence represents the foundation of Austin’s journey — a reminder of his humble beginnings and the people who stood by him before fame. Even though she never sought credit or attention, her presence remains a quiet but meaningful part of his story.
Comparison with Austin’s Later Relationships
After his divorce from Kathryn Burrhus, Steve Austin went on to marry Jeannie Clarke, Debra Marshall, and later Kristin Austin. Each of these relationships became more public due to Austin’s growing fame and media attention. In contrast, Kathryn’s marriage to Austin remains his most private and least publicized relationship. While his later marriages were connected to the wrestling and entertainment world, Kathryn’s life was separate from fame and media. Her quiet dignity and complete withdrawal from publicity make her different from his later partners, highlighting her deep preference for privacy and peace over recognition.
Privacy and Public Fascination
Decades after her marriage to Steve Austin, Kathryn Burrhus continues to draw curiosity from fans of wrestling history. Many find her story fascinating because she represents the part of Austin’s life before fame — a time of simplicity, loyalty, and personal growth. In an industry known for public exposure and controversy, Kathryn’s silence stands out as rare and admirable. She never used her past relationship for attention or financial gain, choosing a life of privacy and respect. Her story symbolizes the quieter side of celebrity life, where dignity and discretion outweigh fame.
Current Whereabouts and Legacy
As of 2025, Kathryn Burrhus is believed to still be living quietly in Texas, away from public attention. There are no confirmed details about her daily life, family, or activities, as she continues to value her privacy. Despite the lack of public information, her name still appears in discussions about Steve Austin’s personal history. Fans and biographers remember her as the woman who knew “Stone Cold” before he became a legend. Her legacy is not one of fame or wealth but of respect — as someone who chose to live her life on her own terms, away from the spotlight.
Conclusion
Kathryn Burrhus’s story is one of love, loyalty, and quiet strength. As the first wife of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, she stood by him during his early struggles and helped shape the foundation of his journey to success. Though their marriage ended before Austin’s fame, her presence represents a significant chapter in his life — the one filled with sincerity and hope before celebrity pressures took over. By choosing a private and peaceful life after their divorce, Kathryn has shown that true dignity lies in living authentically, away from fame and attention. Her quiet legacy remains a reminder that not every story tied to stardom seeks the spotlight.
(FAQs)
1. Who is Kathryn Burrhus?
Kathryn Burrhus is an American woman best known as the first wife of WWE superstar “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. She was Austin’s high school sweetheart and supported him during his early wrestling years before fame. Despite her connection to a major celebrity, she has always preferred a quiet, private life away from the public eye.
2. When did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin get married?
Kathryn Burrhus married Steve Austin on November 24, 1990, after years of dating since high school. At the time, Austin was still building his wrestling career in smaller promotions. Their marriage lasted nearly two years before they divorced in August 1992.
3. Why did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin divorce?
Their marriage ended due to the growing distance caused by Austin’s demanding wrestling career and long absences from home. Reports also suggest his developing relationship with fellow wrestler Jeannie Clarke contributed to the breakup. The couple officially divorced on August 7, 1992.
4. Did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin have any children?
No, Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin did not have children during their marriage. After their separation, Kathryn continued to live privately and has never shared information about having children later in life.
5. Where is Kathryn Burrhus now?
As of 2025, Kathryn Burrhus is believed to be living a private life in Texas, far from media attention. She does not maintain public social media accounts or make public appearances. Her commitment to privacy has made her one of the most mysterious figures linked to Steve Austin’s early life.
