Anne Steves is best known as the ex-wife of travel expert Rick Steves. She supported his early work behind the scenes while raising their family and keeping a low profile. Even today, she remains a private figure whose quiet strength continues to interest fans.
In this article, we’ll explore the full story of Anne Steves. We’ll look at her life before and after Rick, her quiet but meaningful contributions, and the reasons so many still admire her today. Each part of this story is simple, clear, and honest — just like Anne herself.
Quick Facts
| Quick Facts About Anne Steves |
| Full Name: Anne Steves |
| Known For: Ex-wife of Rick Steves |
| Profession: Former Nurse |
| Marriage: Married to Rick Steves (Until 2010) |
| Children: Two – Andy (Eric) and Jackie |
| Residence: Edmonds, Washington (former) |
| Media Presence: None (private life) |
| Notable Role: Behind-the-scenes support in Rick Steves’ travel business |
| Public Appearances: Very rare |
| Privacy: Strongly values personal privacy |
Who Is Anne Steves?
Anne Steves is primarily known as the former spouse of Rick Steves, a famous American author, guidebook writer, and television host. However, Anne was not just a former spouse. Anne was part of Rick’s life and career, especially back then, even though her face and name appeared rarely on camera. Anne was a nurse and lived a fairly quiet life. From the various sources, including The List, Anne was perfectly fine working in the background.
However, Rick was making phone calls, shooting videos, and giving talks, but Anne was still working quietly in the background – at home, also assisting Rick in his career.
They lived in Edmonds, Washington, which is a small town to the north of Seattle and Rick Steves’ base of operations. For Anne, the small-town life probably worked perfectly. Anne had no ambition to become famous or get attention.
How Did Anne and Rick Steves Meet?
There is not a great deal of publicly available information regarding details about Anne and Rick’s first meeting, and I guess that’s not surprising. Anne has always been a private person.
That said, it seems that they had a number of important things in common – a love of traveling, family, and helping others.
They got married long before Rick Steves was a household name. When they got married, it was while Rick was still carving out his way in his career. He had just started to do speaking gigs, small groups in places like church basements and libraries. Anne was there through all of this.
In fact, a few sources, including Yen.com.gh, mentioned that in the early days, Anne travelled with Rick. Sometimes Anne could arrange trips, take care of details, and make sure everything went smoothly. Even if she was not in front of the camera, she had an impact.
Anne Steves’ Role in Rick’s Early Success
It takes a lot morethan one person to build a business like Rick’s. Certainly, there was Rick, writing books and hosting five seasons of television shows, but there was also Anne working hard behind the scenes.
While Rick was traveling to Europe, writing guidebooks, and filming one of his famous travel shows, Anne was typically home managing the family. They have two young children, son Andy (sometimes called Eric in early reports) and daughter Jackie. It was not easy for Anne to juggle everything while Rick was away, but manage it she did.
According to Brandon’s Restaurant blog, Anne was also involved in trip planning for Rick in the early days. She was not just Rick’s wife; she was Rick’s partner, supporter, and believed in his vision.
Many would believe that Rick’s ability to focus on his work was only possible because Anne took care of things at home.
A Quiet Life, Away from the Public Eye
Anne never tried to gain fame against the tapestry of Rick’s life experiences, as many wives of public figures would do. She had no interest in becoming part of Rick’s persona or having a name for herself. She stayed as quietly private as possible. Even now, there is not much public knowledge about what Anne’s personal hobbies are — or her life goals — and that’s precisely how she likes it.
In interviews and when he is present in public, Rick rarely talks about Anne. Their relationship, marriage, or separation has always been very much kept private. And this clearly indicates a sense of mutual respect for one another, even after they moved on as individuals.
What Happened to Their Marriage?
For many years, Anne Steves and Rick Steves appeared to be a solid team. But like many couples, their relationship evolved over time. In 2010, they decided to part ways and get divorced.
Neither seemed to disclose much detail about why their marriage ended, and I think that’s perfectly reasonable. Some things are personal. What we do know is that both maintained a sense of respect. There were no big public disputes or drama.
Lastly, It was as if they had both decided to keep things quieter and soothed their own experience of the public eye, and similar to Anne, Rick likely felt some responsibility and respect to remain guarded and avoid harm to one another.
This quiet end ccharacteristicsAnne’s whole essence. She is not someone who craves the spotlight. Even to leave the public eye, during a divorce, she did not make any statements to the press or throw a public tantrum.
Life After Divorce: Where is Anne Steves Now?
After the divorce, Anne Steves has receded further from public life. While Rick took to the TV lifestyle, was travelling extensively throughout Europe, and talking to other groups, Anne made sure to remain out of the public eye and media spotlight completely.
Today, very little isknownw about her day-to-day existence, and that’s intentional. Anne is private, reported MSN News. She doesn’t have social media. She doesn’t attend Hollywood star-studded appearances. And she has never wanted to be in the news.
This does not make Anne’s life a boring existence, just that she likes to be at peace. Some people love to be in front of the camera. Others are happy to be behind the camera. Anne seems to be content with a slow and private life, as she should be.
Her Relationship With Family
Anne and Rick have two adult children. Their son, Andy (Eric), and their daughter, Jackie Steves, have grown up and started their own lives somewhere else. Andy even started his own travel company, following in his father’s footsteps.
Anne has remained involved and close with her children. Even if she is out of the mainstream media, it is hard to imagine that she is not still a loving mother. If Rick shares more in the mainstream media, Anne has always supported them behind the scenes, as she always has.
How People Remember Anne Steves
Many fans of Rick Steves have become interested in Anne Steves over the years and have wanted to know the lady who helped Rick form and create his travel dreams. Anne may not be in the TV and movies, but she has always been admired for her quiet and reserved presence.
Anne Steves had a larger part in Rick’s initial success, as in planning trips, raising children, and also supporting Rick through the transitions from being a travel observer to a travel star, contrary to what credits appear on films/signs, her actions were significant.
Final Thoughts
Anne Steves may not be a household name you hear on the television or mentioned in the news, but she was a profound part of Rick Steves’ life and career, even if she went silently.
Ultimately, after their divorce, Anne took a public step back and chose privacy. Anne raised her children, survived, and lived on their own terms.
In a world full of noise, Anne Steves reminds us that being quiet doesn’t mean being weak. Sometimes, it means being strong in a different way.
Whether you knew about her before or not, now you know her story — and why she’s worth remembering.
(FAQs)
Who is Anne Steves?
Anne Steves is the ex-wife of Rick Steves, the famous travel author and TV host. She supported him in his early career and stayed out of the public eye after their divorce.
What was Anne Steves’ role in Rick Steves’ success?
Anne helped with early trip planning, supported Rick behind the scenes, and raised their children while he built his travel business. Her support was key to his early success.
Was Anne Steves ever on Rick Steves’ travel shows?
No, Anne never appeared on camera. She preferred a quiet, private life and stayed away from the media and public spotlight.
Are Rick and Anne Steves still married?
No, they divorced in 2010 after many years of marriage.
Why did Rick and Anne Steves divorce?
The exact reason has never been shared publicly. Both Anne and Rick kept their separation respectful and private.
Where is Anne Steves now?
Anne is living a private life away from the media. She doesn’t appear in public and doesn’t share her life on social media.
