Discover Anne Steves’ biography, age, nursing career, marriage to Rick Steves, divorce details, family life, net worth, and where she is in 2026. Complete guide to Rick Steves’ ex-wife.
Quick Facts About Anne Steves
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anne Steves |
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1960 |
| Age (2026) | 65 years old |
| Birthplace | Snohomish, Washington, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Nurse, Social Activist |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of Rick Steves |
| Marriage Date | 1984 |
| Divorce Date | March 5, 2010 |
| Children | Andy Steves, Jackie Steves |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 – $10 million |
Anne Steves Biography
Anne Steves is an American nurse and social activist best known as the former wife of renowned travel writer and television personality Rick Steves. Born on April 4, 1960, in Snohomish, Washington, Anne has dedicated her life to healthcare and community service while maintaining a private existence away from the spotlight.
Unlike many celebrity spouses who embrace fame, Anne consistently chose a path of service and discretion. Her life story reflects compassion, dedication, and quiet strength—qualities that define both her professional nursing career and her approach to life after divorce. While her marriage brought her public attention, Anne’s accomplishments as a healthcare professional and community advocate stand independently.
Growing up in Washington State, Anne developed strong values centered on family, kindness, and civic responsibility. These principles guided her career choices and philanthropic endeavors throughout her adult life.
Anne Steves Age and Early Life
Anne Steves was born on April 4, 1960, making her 65 years old in 2026. She spent her formative years in Snohomish, Washington, raised in a supportive Christian household that emphasized education, community involvement, and compassion.
From an early age, Anne displayed a natural inclination toward helping others. This compassionate nature, nurtured by her family environment, led her to pursue nursing—a profession perfectly aligned with her desire to serve others.
While specific details about her parents and siblings remain private, her upbringing provided a strong moral foundation. The values instilled during childhood—humility, service, and dedication—have remained constant throughout her life, influencing her career and personal choices.
Anne Steves Nurse Career
Anne Steves built a meaningful career as a registered nurse, dedicating herself to providing compassionate care to patients in need. Throughout her career, she worked in hospitals and clinics, becoming known for her attentive bedside manner and exceptional patient care.
Her nursing work extended beyond clinical settings to include:
- Women’s health initiatives promoting awareness and preventive care
- Elder care programs supporting aging community members
- Public health campaigns improving overall community wellness
- Volunteer work with organizations serving vulnerable populations
Anne received the Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary’s highest honor, recognizing her role in purchasing an apartment complex converted into the YWCA’s Trinity Place—providing housing for women and children in need.
Even after her divorce, Anne continued focusing on nursing and social activism, working behind the scenes to support healthcare causes and community initiatives. Her professional legacy is characterized by consistency, compassion, and steadfast dedication to helping others.
Anne Steves Rick Steves Wife: Their Marriage Story
Anne met Rick Steves in the early 1980s when Rick was establishing himself as a travel expert. Their relationship developed through shared values of curiosity, kindness, and commitment to social justice.
After dating for several years, they married in 1984 at St. Thomas of Villanova in Pennsylvania. Their reception was held at Saint David’s Golf Club, and Anne’s bridal bouquet featured roses with traces of hydrangea.
During their marriage, Anne played a vital supporting role in Rick’s career. As Rick built his travel business and guidebook series, Anne provided emotional support and maintained a stable home environment. She occasionally accompanied Rick on European travels, enjoying local markets and spa centers while he conducted research.
Their partnership lasted 26 years, balancing Rick’s demanding travel schedule with family commitments. Anne’s role, though less public, was crucial to the Rick Steves brand’s success during its formative years.
Anne Steves Divorce
The divorce between Anne and Rick Steves, finalized on March 5, 2010, ended their 26-year marriage. The separation surprised many fans, but both handled it with dignity and discretion.
Reasons Behind the Divorce:
Neither Anne nor Rick publicly revealed specific reasons for their divorce. However, reports suggest Rick’s demanding career likely contributed. His work required four months annually in Europe for research, filming, and tours, creating challenges for maintaining a close marital relationship.
Life After Divorce:
Following divorce, Anne and Rick took different paths:
- Anne: Completely withdrew from public life, refocusing on nursing and philanthropy. She chose privacy and independence over public attention.
- Rick: Continued his career and began dating Shelley Bryan Wee, a Lutheran bishop, in late 2019.
Despite their separation, both maintained respect and prioritized their children’s wellbeing through amicable co-parenting.
Anne Steves Family and Children
Anne and Rick have two children who followed their parents’ passion for travel and cultural exploration.
Andy Steves
Andy founded Weekend Student Adventures Europe (WSA Europe), specializing in budget-friendly European tours for students. He authored “Andy Steves’ Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget,” offering practical advice for young travelers. Growing up traveling with his parents and studying in Rome in 2008, Andy became an expert in budget-conscious European travel.
Jackie Steves
Jackie has been involved in travel-related activities and occasionally appears in her father’s shows. She developed a love for travel from an early age and has a nuanced understanding of how different companions create varied travel experiences.
Family Dynamics
Both children maintained strong relationships with both parents after the divorce. Rick frequently posts photos expressing pride in their accomplishments, while Anne’s influence—though less publicly documented—has been equally important in shaping their values of compassion and service.
Anne Steves Net Worth
As of 2026, Anne’s estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $10 million, though exact figures remain private.
Sources of Wealth:
- Nursing Career: Long-standing career providing stable income
- Divorce Settlement: After 26 years of marriage, likely received fair settlement
- Investments: Likely has real estate and other investments
Anne’s net worth, while modest compared to Rick’s estimated $15 million, reflects her choice to live a service-oriented life rather than pursue high-profile opportunities. Her financial independence is notable given her deliberate withdrawal from public life after divorce.
Anne Steves 2026: Current Life
In 2026, Anne continues maintaining a private, service-oriented lifestyle. Now 65, she remains absent from social media, focusing on personal fulfillment, family, and community service.
Current Activities:
- Likely continuing healthcare work or consultation
- Involvement in community health initiatives
- Supporting charitable organizations
- Participating in local volunteer programs
Personal Life:
- Privacy: No social media presence
- Family Focus: Maintaining close relationships with Andy and Jackie
- Community Engagement: Quiet, behind-the-scenes contributions
- Personal Interests: Animal lover who values family time
Anne resides in the United States, likely near Washington State. Her lifestyle reflects values of simplicity, purpose, and service—choosing substance over celebrity.
Anne Steves Wiki
Recognition and Awards
Anne received Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship for her charitable work providing housing for vulnerable women and children.
Personal Interests
- Animal welfare advocacy
- Women’s empowerment initiatives
- Charitable causes
- Family time
Misconceptions
Some rumors about Anne’s personal life have circulated online, but most lack credible sources. Anne has consistently chosen privacy over addressing public speculation.
Current Status (2026)
- Age: 65 years old
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Children: Two (Andy and Jackie Steves)
- Occupation: Nurse and social activist
- Public Profile: Intentionally minimal
- Focus: Healthcare, family, community service
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Conclusion
Anne Steves’ story exemplifies quiet dignity, dedicated service, and intentional privacy. While recognized through her marriage to Rick Steves, her identity extends far beyond being a celebrity ex-wife. As a nurse, social activist, mother, and community member, Anne built a meaningful life centered on compassion and authentic values.
Her journey—from supportive wife through amicable divorce to private life focused on healthcare and family—demonstrates remarkable resilience and integrity. Anne’s choice to step away from public attention after divorce, rather than capitalize on fame, speaks to her character and priorities.
In 2026, at 65, Anne continues living on her own terms, focusing on helping others through nursing, supporting her children, and contributing to her community. Her legacy isn’t one of headlines but of consistent, compassionate service and lasting impact on her family, patients, and community.
Anne Steves reminds us that significant contributions don’t always happen in the spotlight. Her story honors the often-unseen work supporting public success, the value of privacy in an oversharing age, and the dignity of choosing substance over spectacle. While the world knows Rick Steves as a famous travel expert, those who know Anne understand her as a dedicated healthcare professional, loving mother, and quiet force for good in her community.
