Anne Steves is an American social activist and registered nurse, most famously known as the former wife of renowned travel writer and PBS TV host Rick Steves.
Anne was born on April 4, 1960, in Snohomish, Washington, and spent 26 years in the background of one of the most well-known travel brands in America before quietly stepping away from the limelight following their divorce in 2010.
While Rick was gaining international recognition with his Rick Steves’ Europe show and 50+ guidebooks, Anne was building her own legacy in healthcare, community service, and family. This is her full story.
Anne Steves Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Anne Steves |
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1960 |
| Age (2026) | 65 years old |
| Birthplace | Snohomish, Washington, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Profession | Registered Nurse, Social Activist |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of Rick Steves |
| Marriage Year | 1984 |
| Divorce Date | March 5, 2010 |
| Children | Andy Steves, Jackie Steves |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Net Worth (2026) | Est. $700K – $1 million |
| Current Location | Snohomish, Washington, USA |
| Social Media | None |
Early Life and Background
Anne Steves grew up in Snohomish, a small, close-knit town in the Pacific Northwest. She was raised in a Christian family where community service, kindness, and a quiet life mattered more than popularity or success.
Even from a young age, Anne was drawn to serving people. Her small-town background gave her a grounded worldview that stayed with her throughout her life. Although details about her parents and siblings remain private, it is clear that her values were shaped by a warm and caring home environment.
She went on to become a registered nurse, a profession she chose out of a genuine desire to help people, not simply for a paycheck.
Nursing Career and Charity Work
Anne devoted her professional life to healthcare and community service. As a registered nurse, she was known for her empathy, patience, and dedication to her patients.
Her work went far beyond hospital corridors. Anne contributed to several important social causes, including women’s health programs to improve access to healthcare and preventive services, elder care services for the elderly in her Washington community, housing advocacy by donating to organizations helping homeless women and children, and public health education at the grassroots level.
One of her most notable achievements was receiving the Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest award given by Rotary International.
It was awarded in recognition of her efforts in acquiring an apartment complex that was converted into Trinity Place at the YWCA in Baltimore, providing housing for women and children in need.
This award speaks volumes about who Anne Steves is, a woman who transforms lives while staying comfortably out of the spotlight.
Anne Steves and Rick Steves: 26 Years of Marriage
Anne met Rick Steves in the early 1980s when he was still building his career in travel writing. They were drawn together by shared values, a love for community, a commitment to social justice, and a preference for a low-key lifestyle.
The couple got married in 1983. The ceremony was held at St. Thomas of Villanova in Pennsylvania, with a reception at the Saint David Golf Club. Anne was reportedly very involved in Rick’s early work, sharing his dedication to social causes.
Throughout their marriage, Anne played an indispensable behind-the-scenes role. She maintained a stable household during the months Rick spent traveling in Europe each year, supported the early development of the Rick Steves’ Europe brand during its most critical years, raised their two children, Andy and Jackie, largely on her own while Rick was away, and occasionally traveled to Europe with Rick as he conducted research.
Their partnership lasted more than two decades, no small feat given the demanding nature of Rick’s career.
The Divorce: What Happened in 2010
In 2009, Rick and Anne Steves filed for divorce in Snohomish Superior Court, and it was finalized on March 5, 2010, after 26 years of marriage.
Neither Anne nor Rick publicly disclosed the full reasons for their separation. However, Rick’s own interviews offer some insight.
He has referred to managing his business, television series, podcast, books, and constant travel as a difficult balancing act, and has openly admitted that his career pulled his life out of balance, making it hard to watch his marriage suffer as a result.
There have been some unconfirmed reports of Rick being linked with his travel companion Trish Feaster. In 2013, Rick reportedly referred to her as his partner on social media, though the exact nature of their relationship was never confirmed. Other rumors about Rick’s personal life also circulated online, but none were ever proven.
Both parties handled the divorce with dignity. There were no public accusations, no dramatic statements, just two people quietly closing a long chapter of their lives.
Life After Divorce: Where Is Anne Steves in 2026?
After the divorce, Anne did something that few people in her position would do, she simply stepped back from the spotlight. No interviews, no social media, no book deal, no tell-all story.
By 2026, Anne Steves had not remarried. She still lives in Snohomish, Washington, the same quiet town where she was born. She has continued to focus on healthcare, community work, and her family, living a peaceful and grounded life.
In 2026, Anne is likely still working in nursing or healthcare consulting, supporting local health and housing projects, maintaining a close relationship with her two children, and staying entirely off social media, including Instagram and Facebook.
Meanwhile, Rick has moved forward in his own way. Around 2019, he began a relationship with Shelley Bryan Wee, a bishop with whom he shares his Lutheran faith. Both Anne and Rick have moved on quietly and with dignity.
Anne and Rick’s Children: Andy and Jackie Steves
Anne and Rick have two children who have each made a name for themselves in the world of travel.
Andy Steves followed his father’s passion for European travel but carved out his own niche. He founded Weekend Student Adventures Europe (WSA Europe), a company dedicated to offering affordable European tours for college students. He is also the author of Andy Steves’ Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget, a practical guidebook aimed at young, budget-conscious travelers.
Jackie Steves is a travel media personality who has been featured in her father’s work from time to time. She brings her own perspective to travel, shaped by the years she spent growing up in Europe with her family.
Both children have spoken positively about their upbringing. While Rick is the public face, the values that Anne instilled at home are clearly reflected in the people Andy and Jackie have become.
Read more: Chris Potoski – Entrepreneur, COO & Brandi Love’s Husband (2026 Biography)
Anne Steves Net Worth in 2026
Anne has never chased wealth, and her estimated net worth reflects that choice.
| Source | Estimate |
| Nursing career income | Long-term, stable earnings |
| Divorce settlement (26 yrs) | Likely a significant amount |
| Real estate / investments | Unconfirmed |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | $700,000 – $1 million |
Most reliable sources estimate her net worth between $500,000 and $1 million. Anne has never lived a flashy lifestyle and is far more comfortable with simplicity than luxury.
By comparison, Rick Steves’ net worth is estimated at around $15 million, built through his travel empire of books, tours, TV shows, and the Rick Steves’ Europe brand. Anne never wanted that kind of financial spotlight. She wanted meaning.
What Makes Anne Steves Different
Most people in Anne’s position would have found a way to capitalize on the connection. A memoir, a podcast, a reality show appearance. Anne chose none of those paths.
Instead, she stayed in the same small town where she was born, rather than chasing fame. She stepped back to raise her children away from the media. She continued nursing instead of seeking celebrity status.
She earned a Rotary Fellowship through genuine community work, not PR. And she never spoke out publicly against Rick or attempted to damage his reputation.
Not every significant life is lived on camera. Anne Steves is proof of that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anne Steves? Anne Steves is an American registered nurse and social activist, best known as the former wife of travel writer and PBS host Rick Steves. They were married from 1984 to 2010.
How old is Anne Steves in 2026? She was born on April 4, 1960, making her 65 years old in 2026.
Why did Anne and Rick Steves divorce? Neither party publicly disclosed the full reasons. Rick’s frequent travel to Europe, up to four months a year, placed a long-term strain on their marriage.
Is Anne Steves on social media? No. Anne Steves has no Instagram, Facebook, or any other social media presence. She has consciously chosen to stay out of the public eye.
What is Anne Steves’ net worth? Her net worth is estimated between $700,000 and $1 million in 2026, primarily from her nursing career and divorce settlement.
Did Anne Steves remarry after the divorce? No. As of 2026, Anne Steves remains single and lives a private, independent life in Snohomish, Washington.
Who are Anne and Rick Steves’ children? They have two children, Andy Steves, founder of a student travel company in Europe, and Jackie Steves, who is also involved in the travel industry.
What award did Anne Steves receive? Anne received the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International, recognizing her work in providing housing for women and children in need through the Trinity Place program at the YWCA.
Final Thoughts
Anne Steves is a rare example of someone who had every opportunity to seek fame but chose service instead. Her story is not built on headlines or viral moments. It is built on years of caring for patients, raising two wonderful children, and quietly making her community better.
She walked away from a 26-year marriage with complete dignity, never once using the situation to seek attention. In a world that rewards oversharing, Anne Steves chose something harder and far more admirable, a private life, lived honestly.
At 65, she is still in Snohomish, Washington, right where her story began. That says everything.
