Anne Steves is an American registered nurse and social activist best known publicly as the former wife of Rick Steves, the renowned travel writer, author, television host, and founder of Rick Steves’ Europe. While Rick Steves built a global brand encouraging Americans to travel thoughtfully through Europe, Anne maintained a deliberately low-profile life centered on healthcare, family, and community involvement. She has consistently avoided media attention and public platforms, even after their divorce, focusing instead on her professional work as a nurse and personal privacy. Described as grounded and committed to social justice causes alongside her then-husband during their marriage, Anne played a supportive role in the early years of Rick’s career while prioritizing hands-on parenting and stability at home in the Pacific Northwest.
Background and Early Life
Anne Steves (née possibly Bach or another surname, though primarily referred to by her married name in public records) was born on April 4, 1960, in Snohomish, Washington, USA. She was raised in the Pacific Northwest, with connections to the Snohomish County and Edmonds areas where she later lived during her marriage. Limited details are available about her childhood or immediate family, as she has never sought public attention. She is an American citizen and has been associated with Christian values in some biographical accounts, though specifics remain private.
Education and Career
Anne pursued a career in nursing, working as a registered nurse. Specific details about her educational institutions or training are not widely documented in public sources, consistent with her preference for privacy. She has also been described as a social activist, sharing interests in social justice issues with Rick Steves during their marriage. After the divorce, she continued her professional focus on healthcare and community service, maintaining a quiet, independent life away from the spotlight. Estimates of her net worth vary widely (often cited between $500,000 and lower seven figures), reflecting her nursing career, possible settlement arrangements, and private lifestyle rather than any public business ventures.
Meeting Rick Steves and Relationship
Anne met Rick Steves (born Richard John Steves Jr. on May 10, 1955, in Barstow, California) in the early 1980s. They dated for a period before marrying. Their relationship developed in the Seattle/Edmonds, Washington, area, where Rick was building his travel business after graduating from the University of Washington. Anne reportedly supported Rick’s early entrepreneurial efforts in travel writing and tours while balancing her own career. The couple shared values around travel, cultural immersion, and social advocacy during their years together.
Marriage
Anne and Rick Steves married in 1984 in a private ceremony. Some sources note the wedding took place at St. Thomas of Villanova in Villanova, Pennsylvania, with a reception at Saint David’s Golf Club, though the couple’s primary life was based in Washington state. Their marriage lasted approximately 25–26 years and was characterized by family focus amid Rick’s increasingly demanding travel schedule and growing public profile. Anne was involved in the home front and early business support while raising their children.
Children and Family Life
The couple has two children:
- Andy Steves – Their son, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a travel entrepreneur. He founded Weekend Student Adventures (WSA) Europe, a company offering budget travel programs for students, and authored Andy Steves’ Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget.
- Jackie Steves – Their daughter, who has pursued writing and travel-related work. She has occasionally contributed to family projects and is a mother herself; Rick Steves has publicly shared moments with his grandson (Jackie’s child) in recent years.
The family resided primarily in the Edmonds/Snohomish area of Washington. Parenting emphasized family values, cultural exposure through travel, and emotional stability. Rick has openly reflected in interviews that his heavy travel commitments during the marriage sometimes led to him neglecting parental responsibilities, though he has noted improved relationships with his adult children post-divorce.
Divorce
Anne filed for divorce in September 2009 at Snohomish Superior Court in Washington (case number 09-3-02434-2). The divorce was finalized on March 5, 2010. Financial records were sealed, and the proceedings were handled privately with no public acrimony or detailed public statements from either party. The split was attributed in part to the strains of Rick’s intensive travel and work schedule, which often kept him away from home. Both parents continued to co-parent and support their children after the separation. Rick has spoken candidly about the challenges and his growth in family relationships afterward.
Current Life and Privacy
Since the divorce, Anne Steves has lived a quiet, private life, primarily in the Washington state area (with associations to Edmonds and Snohomish County). She has no prominent public social media presence, gives no interviews, and avoids media events. She continues to focus on her nursing career, community service, social activism, and family. Friends and observers describe her as content, peaceful, and dedicated to personal growth and meaningful relationships away from any spotlight. She remains connected to her adult children and grandchildren through private family ties.
Anne Steves remains a private individual whose public recognition stems almost entirely from her former marriage. Her life exemplifies a commitment to healthcare, family stability, and discretion amid the high-profile success of her ex-husband’s travel empire.
FAQs on Anne Steves
Who is Anne Steves?
Anne Steves is a registered nurse and social activist best known as the ex-wife of travel expert Rick Steves. She has maintained a low-profile life focused on healthcare and family.
When and where was Anne Steves born?
She was born on April 4, 1960, in Snohomish, Washington, USA.
What does Anne Steves do for a living?
She works as a registered nurse and has been involved in social activism and community service.
How did Anne Steves meet Rick Steves?
They met in the early 1980s and dated before marrying; their relationship was based in the Seattle/Edmonds, Washington, area.
When did Anne Steves and Rick Steves marry?
They married in 1984 in a private ceremony.
How many children do they have, and what are their names?
They have two children: son Andy Steves (travel entrepreneur and author) and daughter Jackie Steves (writer and traveler).
When and why did Anne Steves and Rick Steves divorce?
The divorce was finalized on March 5, 2010, after Anne filed in 2009. It was handled privately; factors included the strains of Rick’s extensive travel schedule. No public drama was involved.
Does Anne Steves have social media?
No. She maintains a very private profile with no known public social media accounts or media appearances.
Where does Anne Steves live now?
She lives a private life in the Washington state area, primarily associated with Snohomish County and Edmonds.
