Anne Steves: The Untold Story of Rick Steves’ Ex-Wife and Her Life After Divorce
Anne Steves, the former wife of travel expert Rick Steves, played a significant role in building his travel empire while maintaining her own career as a nurse and social activist. While Rick became a household name in the travel industry, Anne’s contributions remained largely behind the scenes. This article explores her life, marriage, and journey beyond their 26-year partnership.
Table Of Content
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anne Steves |
| Birth Date | April 4, 1960 |
| Birth Place | Snohomish, Washington, USA |
| Age | 65 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Physical Features | Brown hair, grey eyes |
| Known For | Former wife of travel expert Rick Steves |
| Marriage | Married from 1983/1984 to March 5, 2010 |
| Children | Andy Steves and Jackie Steves |
| Occupation | Nurse, Social Activist |
Early Life and Background
Born on April 4, 1960, in Snohomish, Washington, Anne grew up in a traditional American family that valued education and hard work. She pursued nursing training in Washington, preparing for a healthcare career. While she has maintained privacy about her early years, her upbringing shaped her compassionate nature and commitment to serving others.
Marriage to Rick Steves
Anne met Rick Steves in the early 1980s. Their shared values and interests brought them together, and they married in 1983 or 1984 (sources vary) at St. Thomas of Villanova in Pennsylvania. The ceremony was private, reflecting their preference for maintaining personal boundaries despite Rick’s growing public profile.
Their partnership extended beyond marriage. Anne provided support for Rick’s travel business while working as a nurse. She handled logistics, managed administrative tasks, and maintained stability at home while Rick traveled extensively for his work. Her contributions allowed him to focus on building Rick Steves’ Europe Inc., which grew into a company generating $100 million in annual revenue.
Rick founded his business in 1976 and published his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1979. Born May 10, 1955, in Barstow, California, and raised in Edmonds, Washington, Rick built his career around European travel. Anne stood by him through the company’s growth and the launch of his PBS series “Rick Steves’ Europe” in 2000.
Family Life
Anne and Rick raised two children: Andy and Jackie Steves. As a mother, Anne balanced her nursing career with family responsibilities. She raised her children with values of curiosity, cultural appreciation, and open-mindedness.
Andy graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2010, having studied abroad at John Cabot University in Rome during Spring 2008. There, he conceived the idea for Weekend Student Adventures (WSA Europe), a travel company offering affordable tours for students studying abroad in Europe. He published “Andy Steves’ Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget” in 2016, with a second edition following later.
Jackie attended Georgetown University and now appears in her father’s television programs. She married Damian and welcomed son Atlas in late 2022, making Rick and Anne grandparents.
Divorce and Life After
After more than 25 years of marriage, Anne and Rick filed for divorce in 2009 at Snohomish Superior Court. The divorce was finalized on March 5, 2010. The reasons for their separation were never publicly disclosed, though Rick later acknowledged that his demanding travel schedule and work commitments contributed to the breakdown of their marriage.
Rick has spoken openly about his work-life balance struggles. In a 2024 interview with The Washington Post, he described managing his business, television series, podcast, books, and extensive travel as “coordinating a three-ring circus.” He admitted that his career “takes my life out of balance,” which affected his family relationships.
Following the divorce, Anne chose to maintain a private life. She continues working as a nurse and remains involved in social activism, particularly in areas related to healthcare, women’s health, elder care, and community programs. She has dedicated herself to charitable causes while staying out of the public spotlight.
Rick Steves’ Life After Divorce
Rick began dating Shelley Bryan Wee in late 2019. Shelley serves as Bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The couple’s relationship became public during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Rick spent extended time at home for the first time in decades. He credits Shelley with teaching him domestic skills and helping him appreciate aspects of life beyond travel.
In August 2024, Rick announced his prostate cancer diagnosis at age 69. His PSA level measured 55, significantly above the normal range of less than 4 for his age. He underwent robotic prostatectomy surgery in October 2024 at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and University of Washington Medical Center-Montlake in Seattle. On February 22, 2025, Rick announced he was cancer-free, with his PSA dropping to below 0.03.
Rumors circulated about Rick’s relationship with travel partner Trish Feaster potentially contributing to the divorce, but these claims remain unconfirmed and unsubstantiated.
Professional Career and Impact
Anne’s nursing career has been characterized by compassion and dedication to patient care. She worked in hospitals and clinics throughout Washington, earning respect from colleagues and patients. Her medical background complements her social activism work, where she advocates for healthcare access and community wellness.
Beyond healthcare, Anne participates in charitable initiatives focused on education and women’s empowerment. Her estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $10 million, providing her with financial independence to pursue causes she supports.
Anne’s contributions to Rick’s business during their marriage were substantial. She managed household responsibilities and provided operational support during the company’s formative years, allowing Rick to build his brand and expand his reach in the travel industry.
Children’s Achievements
Both children have established their own careers in travel and media. Andy’s Weekend Student Adventures operates tours across Europe, offering weekend trips and longer excursions for students and budget travelers. His company provides skip-the-line access to attractions, local guides, and carefully planned itineraries.
Jackie works in the travel industry and regularly appears on “Rick Steves’ Europe.” She has embraced her family’s travel tradition while building her own identity separate from her father’s fame.
Anne’s Current Life
Anne continues to live in Washington, where she maintains her nursing practice and community involvement. She has chosen privacy over publicity, focusing on meaningful work rather than media attention. Her life reflects values of service, integrity, and personal fulfillment independent of her former husband’s celebrity status.
Friends and colleagues describe her as compassionate, dedicated, and principled. She participates in local charitable programs and maintains strong community ties in Snohomish County.
Conclusion
Anne Steves represents more than her association with Rick Steves. Her career as a nurse, dedication to social causes, and role as a mother demonstrate a life built on service and compassion. While her marriage to Rick ended, her contributions to his early success and her ongoing work in healthcare and activism define her own meaningful path.
Her story highlights the often-overlooked individuals who provide support behind public figures. Anne chose a life focused on helping others, maintaining her values, and pursuing work that makes a difference in her community. Her journey from Rick Steves’ wife to an independent professional reflects resilience, purpose, and quiet strength.
