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

Early Life and Background

Anne Steves was born on April 4, 1960, in Snohomish, Washington, where she grew up in a close-knit, Christian, and community-oriented family. Her upbringing emphasized kindness, education, and helping others—values that shaped her personality and future career. From an early age, Anne showed compassion and a strong desire to make a difference in people’s lives, traits that later guided her toward nursing and social work. Surrounded by a supportive environment, she learned the importance of service and humility, which became key aspects of her character. Her early education in Washington further strengthened her interest in caring for others and prepared her for a lifelong journey of dedication to health, family, and community.

Education and Nursing Career

Anne Steves pursued her education and nursing training in Washington, preparing for a career dedicated to healthcare and community service. In her early professional years, she worked in hospitals and clinics, where her compassion and skill made her a trusted nurse among patients and colleagues. Her passion for serving others extended beyond medical care, as she became involved in community outreach programs focusing on women’s health, elder care, and volunteering for local causes. Anne also participated in public health initiatives that promoted awareness about wellness and preventive care. While balancing her demanding career with family life, she remained committed to helping others, reflecting her deep sense of responsibility and kindness both as a nurse and as a mother.

Relationship, Meeting, and Marriage to Rick Steves

Anne Steves met Rick Steves in the early 1980s, and their relationship developed through shared values of curiosity, kindness, and a love for helping others. After several years of dating, the couple married in 1984 at St. Thomas of Villanova in Pennsylvania, celebrating their union in a private ceremony surrounded by family and close friends. During the early years of their marriage, Anne provided steady emotional support as Rick pursued his growing career as a travel writer and TV host.

She played a vital role in maintaining a stable and loving home environment while balancing her responsibilities as a nurse and mother. Their partnership was built on teamwork and mutual respect, with Anne serving as a quiet source of strength behind Rick’s public success.

Who Is Rick Steves?

Rick Steves is a well-known American travel writer, author, and television host, best recognized for his long-running PBS series Rick Steves’ Europe. He was born on May 10, 1955, in Barstow, California, and grew up in Edmonds, Washington, where his passion for travel and culture began at an early age. Over the years, Rick built a successful career as a travel expert, creating guidebooks, TV shows, and educational tours that help people explore Europe affordably and meaningfully. His company, Rick Steves’ Europe Inc., has become one of the most trusted names in travel education. Beyond tourism, Rick is also known for his humanitarian and social activism, supporting causes like affordable housing, world hunger relief, and drug policy reform.

Through his writing and media work, he encourages cultural understanding and responsible global citizenship. Throughout his career, his family provided support and stability, with Anne Steves playing a key role during his early years of travel and production. Rick’s professional journey continues to inspire millions to see travel not just as leisure, but as a way to connect with people and make the world a more compassionate place.

Family Life and Children

Anne Steves and Rick Steves share two children, Andy and Jackie Steves, both of whom have inherited their parents’ love for travel, education, and meaningful work. Their son, Andy Steves, is a travel entrepreneur and author who founded Weekend Student Adventures (WSA Europe), a company that provides affordable and educational travel experiences for students across Europe. He has also written a popular travel guide, Andy Steves’ Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget, continuing his father’s mission of encouraging cultural exploration while offering his own modern approach to travel.

Their daughter, Jackie Steves, is a writer and blogger who has appeared on her father’s travel shows, Rick Steves’ Europe, and contributed to various travel-related projects. She often writes about global issues, culture, and the importance of open-minded exploration. Anne played a key role in shaping her children’s values, emphasizing kindness, curiosity, education, and empathy from a young age.

Even after Anne and Rick’s divorce, Andy and Jackie have maintained a close relationship with both parents, reflecting the strong foundation of respect and love their mother nurtured. Anne’s influence is evident in her children’s independent yet compassionate approach to life and work, proving that her quiet guidance and focus on family continue to shape the next generation.

Divorce and Life After Separation

Anne Steves and Rick Steves ended their marriage in 2010 after more than 26 years together, with the divorce being finalized at the Snohomish Superior Court in Washington. While neither Anne nor Rick publicly discussed the reasons for their separation, it has been widely speculated that the constant travel demands of Rick’s career and the time spent apart played a role in their decision.

Despite the challenges, Anne handled the situation with grace and dignity, choosing to maintain her privacy and avoid media attention. After the divorce, she continued to focus on her nursing career and community involvement, dedicating her time to helping others and supporting charitable causes. Her calm and composed approach allowed her to rebuild her life independently while maintaining a respectful relationship with Rick for the sake of their children.

Both Anne and Rick have continued to co-parent Andy and Jackie with mutual respect, ensuring that family unity remains strong even after their separation. Anne’s post-divorce life reflects her resilience and strength, showing that she values peace, purpose, and contribution over public attention or controversy. Her ability to move forward quietly while maintaining balance in her personal and professional life stands as a testament to her strong character and independence.

Social Activism and Community Work

Anne Steves has long been recognized for her compassion and dedication to community service, quietly making a difference through her involvement in various charitable and social causes. Drawing from her background as a nurse, she has participated in local healthcare outreach programs aimed at improving wellness education and access to medical care for underprivileged communities. Anne has been particularly active in initiatives that support women’s health, elder care, and awareness about preventive healthcare.

Her caring nature and professional expertise have allowed her to connect with people in meaningful ways, offering both medical guidance and emotional support. Beyond nursing, she has volunteered her time and resources to social causes that promote kindness, education, and empathy. For Anne, helping others is not just a profession but a way of life, guided by her philosophy that true happiness comes from service and compassion toward those in need.

Anne Steves’ Net Worth and Financial Life

Anne Steves’ estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $10 million, reflecting her long career in nursing, community involvement, and financial settlement following her divorce from Rick Steves. Her wealth, however, is modest compared to Rick Steves’ approximate net worth of $15 million, which he earned through his successful travel writing and television career. Despite this difference, Anne has built a comfortable and independent life, valuing purpose over luxury. Her income primarily comes from her professional work in healthcare and charitable engagements rather than public or business ventures. Anne’s financial independence demonstrates her strong work ethic and self-reliant nature, proving that success can be measured by stability, fulfillment, and contribution rather than fame or material wealth.

Privacy and Personal Values

Anne Steves has always preferred to live a private and peaceful life away from the spotlight, even during her marriage to a well-known public figure. She maintains no presence on social media and rarely appears in public events, choosing instead to focus on her family, career, and personal well-being. This decision to stay private has allowed her to maintain emotional balance and protect her family’s peace.

While her ex-husband, Rick Steve,s continues to live a more public life as a television host and writer, Anne finds fulfillment in simplicity and quiet living. Her lifestyle reflects deep humility and inner strength, teaching that privacy is not isolation but a form of self-respect and mental peace. Anne’s calm, grounded nature and her ability to stay content without public validation make her a strong example of dignity and grace.

Legacy and Inspiration

Anne Steves’ life leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and service. As a nurse, she has cared for countless people with empathy and professionalism, and as a mother, she has nurtured two children who continue to honor her values through their own achievements. Her influence extends beyond her family into the broader community, where her dedication to volunteerism and health awareness has inspired many. Anne’s story is a reminder that real impact often comes from quiet, consistent acts of kindness rather than public recognition. She embodies a sense of balance and moral strength, showing how one can live a life of purpose and meaning through humility, care, and perseverance.

Conclusion

Anne Steves’ life is a powerful example of strength through service, family devotion, and personal integrity. From her early years in Washington to her successful nursing career and role as a loving mother, she has lived with dedication and grace. Even after her divorce, she remained focused on her work, her children, and her mission to help others. Her private lifestyle reflects her deep belief in peace and genuine connection over fame or attention. Anne Steves’ story reminds us that true meaning lies not in public recognition but in kindness, compassion, and the quiet act of making a difference in the lives of others.

FAQs About Anne Steves

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 has dedicated her life to healthcare and community service. Despite her connection to fame, Anne lives a quiet and private life focused on helping others.

2. How old is Anne Steves?

Anne Steves was born on April 4, 1960, in Snohomish, Washington, making her 65 years old as of 2025. Her age reflects a lifetime of dedication to family, nursing, and social causes. Even now, she continues to live a peaceful and meaningful life away from public attention.

3. What is Anne Steves’ profession?

Anne Steves is a professional nurse and social activist. She has worked in the healthcare field for many years, supporting patients with care and compassion. Alongside nursing, she has also been involved in various community programs promoting wellness and social awareness.

4. When did Anne Steves marry and divorce Rick Steves?

Anne married Rick Steves in 1984 after dating for several years. The couple enjoyed a long marriage that lasted over 26 years before officially divorcing in 2010. Their separation was handled privately, with both maintaining respect for each other and their family.

5. Does Anne Steves have children?

Yes, Anne and Rick Steves have two children together — Andy Steves and Jackie Steves. Both have followed in their father’s footsteps in the travel industry, with Andy founding his own travel company and Jackie occasionally appearing on travel shows.

6. What is Anne Steves’ net worth?

Anne Steves’ net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $10 million. Her earnings come primarily from her nursing career, personal investments, and possible divorce settlement. Despite her modest wealth compared to Rick Steves, she values independence and a simple lifestyle.

7. What does Anne Steves do now?

After her divorce, Anne chose to live a private life centered on her career and community service. She continues to support charitable causes and work in healthcare. Her focus remains on living meaningfully and contributing to society without seeking public attention.

8. Is Anne Steves active on social media?

No, Anne Steves does not have any public social media accounts. She prefers to maintain her privacy and stay away from online platforms. This reflects her calm and humble personality, valuing real connections over public exposure.

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