Who Is Anne Steves? The Story of Rick Steves’ Ex-Wife

Anne Steves is a name many people search for online. She is known as the ex-wife of Rick Steves, the famous American travel writer and TV host. But who is she really? In this article, we will look at her life, her marriage to Rick Steves, and what she has done since their divorce.
Quick Bio For Anne Steves
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anne Steves |
| Known For | Ex-wife of travel writer Rick Steves |
| Birthplace | Snohomish, Washington, USA |
| Birth Year | Reported as around 1960 (exact date not confirmed) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Nurse (reported) |
| Spouse | Rick Steves (married 1984, divorced 2010) |
| Children | Two: daughter Jackie Steves, son Andy Steves |
| Marriage Length | About 26 years |
| Current Status | Lives a private life, away from the public eye |
Early Life
Not much is known about Anne Steves’ childhood. Most reports say she was born in Snohomish, a small town in Washington State. This town is known for its quiet, close community, which may explain why Anne has always preferred a simple and private life.
Her exact birth date is not officially confirmed. Different sources give different information, but most agree she was born around 1960. Details about her parents, siblings, or early education are not publicly known. This is likely because Anne herself chose to stay away from media attention, even during her marriage to a famous person.
How Anne Met Rick Steves
Anne and Rick Steves reportedly met in the early 1980s. Some sources say they met in Washington State, where they both lived. Other reports mention that they crossed paths in California. Since these stories are not officially confirmed by Rick Steves or Anne herself, it’s hard to know the exact details.
What we do know is that the couple dated for about two years before getting married. At that time, Rick was still building his travel business. He was writing guidebooks and organizing small tours around Europe. This was long before he became a well-known TV personality.

Marriage to Rick Steves
Anne and Rick Steves got married in 1984. Their wedding took place at St. Thomas of Villanova in Pennsylvania, in a small and private ceremony. This matches Anne’s general preference for privacy, even in big life moments.
During their marriage, the couple welcomed two children:
- Jackie Steves – their daughter
- Andy Steves – their son, who later became known for running his own travel company for young travelers
While Rick worked hard to grow his travel business, Anne is reported to have supported him from behind the scenes. Many articles describe her as the person who managed home life while Rick traveled for work. This kind of support is common for spouses of people who work in demanding careers, especially ones that involve a lot of travel.
Rick Steves became famous in the 1990s and 2000s through his TV shows and travel guidebooks. As his career grew, so did the public’s interest in his personal life. However, Anne mostly avoided interviews and public events, even as her husband became more famous.
The Divorce
After 26 years of marriage, Anne and Rick Steves divorced. Court records show they filed for divorce in 2009 at Snohomish Superior Court, and the divorce was finalized on March 5, 2010.
Neither Anne nor Rick has publicly shared the exact reason for their split. Some reports suggest that the pressure of Rick’s busy career and frequent travel may have played a role. Long periods apart can be hard on any marriage, and this may have been a factor. However, since neither person has confirmed this, it remains speculation rather than fact.
What is clear is that the couple handled their divorce quietly, without public drama. This fits the pattern we see throughout Anne’s life: she prefers to keep personal matters private.
Life After the Divorce
Since her divorce, Anne Steves has kept a low profile. She has not given interviews about her life after the marriage ended, and she does not appear active on social media in a public way.
Some sources describe her as a nurse who dedicated her career to helping others. If this is true, it shows a life focused on service rather than fame. Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Anne never tried to use her connection to Rick Steves for personal attention or business opportunities.
Meanwhile, Rick Steves moved on and has been in public relationships since the divorce. He dated Trish Feaster for a period of time, and since 2019, he has been in a relationship with Shelley Bryan Wee, a bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
There is no confirmed public information about whether Anne has remarried or started a new relationship. This is likely because she has chosen to keep that part of her life completely private.
Her Children Today
Anne and Rick’s children have grown up and built their own paths in life.
Andy Steves followed in his father’s footsteps in some ways. He started a travel company aimed at helping young people, especially students, explore Europe on a budget. This shows that the family’s love for travel and learning about other cultures passed down to the next generation.
Jackie Steves, their daughter, has kept a lower public profile compared to her brother. Not much detailed information is available about her current life or career.
Both children seem to have inherited values from their parents: curiosity about the world, a strong work ethic, and a preference for staying grounded despite their father’s fame.
Why People Are Curious About Anne Steves
It’s natural for people to be curious about the personal lives of those connected to famous individuals. Rick Steves is widely respected as a travel expert, author, and TV host. Many people who enjoy his guidebooks and shows want to know more about his personal history, including his past marriage.
However, it’s worth remembering that Anne Steves never chose to be a public figure. She was married to someone who became famous, but she herself did not seek attention. Respecting her privacy, even while satisfying public curiosity, is important.
A Life of Quiet Strength
Even though Anne Steves is often only described through her connection to Rick Steves, her story shows something bigger. She spent over two decades raising a family, supporting her husband’s growing career, and reportedly working as a nurse to help others in her community.
After the divorce, instead of chasing publicity or telling her side of the story publicly, she chose to step back and live quietly. This choice says a lot about her values. In a culture that often rewards attention and drama, Anne Steves represents a different path: one of privacy, family focus, and personal peace.
Conclusion
Anne Steves may be best known as Rick Steves’ ex-wife, but her life is about more than that single label. She was a supportive partner during the early years of Rick’s career, a mother to two children, and reportedly a nurse who cared for others in her community. Since her divorce in 2010, she has lived a private life, away from cameras and public attention.
While many details about her early life, current activities, and personal relationships remain unknown, what we do know paints a picture of someone who values family, privacy, and quiet contribution over fame. Her story is a good reminder that behind every public figure, there are personal stories that deserve respect and privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Anne Steves? Anne Steves is the ex-wife of Rick Steves, the well-known American travel writer and TV host. She was married to him for about 26 years.
2. When did Anne and Rick Steves get married? They got married in 1984 at St. Thomas of Villanova in Pennsylvania.
3. When did Anne and Rick Steves get divorced? They filed for divorce in 2009, and it was finalized on March 5, 2010.
4. Does Anne Steves have children? Yes, she has two children with Rick Steves: a daughter named Jackie Steves and a son named Andy Steves.
5. What does Anne Steves do for work? Several reports say she worked as a nurse, though this has not been officially confirmed by Anne herself.
6. Is Anne Steves on social media? There is no clear public social media presence linked to Anne Steves. She appears to keep her life private.
7. Has Anne Steves remarried? There is no confirmed public information about her remarrying since her divorce from Rick Steves.
8. Why did Anne and Rick Steves divorce? The exact reason has never been shared publicly. Some reports suggest that Rick’s demanding travel career may have played a role, but this has not been confirmed.
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