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5 Surprising Facts About Rick Steves' Love Life: Is The Travel Guru Married Now?

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The question of whether the world’s most famous budget traveler, Rick Steves, is currently married remains one of the most common searches about the travel guru’s personal life. As of December 2025, the definitive answer is no, he is not married, but he is in a serious, long-term relationship. The man who taught millions to "travel light" and embrace the European lifestyle actually ended his 26-year marriage over a decade ago and has since found a new, high-profile partner, a relationship that has surprised many of his dedicated fans.

The travel personality has always kept his personal life relatively private, focusing his public image on his *Rick Steves' Europe* television show and his extensive collection of *European travel guides*. However, recent updates, including his public battle with prostate cancer, have brought his current relationship and family life into the spotlight, offering a fresh perspective on the man behind the backpack.

Rick Steves: Full Biography and Profile

Richard John Steves Jr., known universally as Rick Steves, is more than just a travel writer; he is a prominent American activist, television personality, and businessman. His philosophy centers on independent, budget-friendly travel that encourages cultural immersion.

  • Full Name: Richard John Steves Jr.
  • Date of Birth: May 10, 1955
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 70 years old
  • Place of Birth: Barstow, California, U.S.
  • Career: Travel Writer, Television Host, Activist, Business Owner (Rick Steves' Europe)
  • Ex-Wife: Anne Steves (m. 1984; div. 2010)
  • Children: Two—a son, Andy Steves, and a daughter, Jackie Steves
  • Current Relationship Status: Divorced, in a long-term relationship with Shelley Bryan Wee
  • Education: Graduated from the University of Washington (BA in European History)
  • Known For: Host of the TV series *Rick Steves' Europe* and author of over 50 travel guidebooks.
  • Net Worth: Estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million, largely from his travel empire.
  • Activism: A vocal advocate for marijuana legalization (a "legal weed champion") and a philanthropist who has donated millions to housing and social causes.

The Truth About Rick Steves' Marriage and Divorce

For decades, many fans assumed Rick Steves was happily married, given his stable public image. The reality is that his marriage to his long-time girlfriend, Anne Steves, ended over a decade ago, marking a significant change in his personal landscape.

A 26-Year Partnership with Anne Steves

Rick Steves and Anne Steves were married in 1984, following an extended period of dating. Their marriage lasted 26 years, during which they raised two children, Andy Steves and Jackie Steves. Anne Steves played a supportive role during the early, formative years of the *Rick Steves' Europe* brand, though she has largely maintained a private life since their split.

The couple finalized their divorce in 2010. While the reasons for the separation were kept private, Steves has occasionally mentioned the personal toll his demanding career and life philosophy took on his relationships, even expressing "regrets" about the divorce. The separation was amicable, and the former couple remains connected through their children, both of whom are now adults. Their son, Andy Steves, has even followed in his father's footsteps, starting his own European student travel company.

Who is Rick Steves' Current Partner, Shelley Bryan Wee?

Despite being divorced, Rick Steves is not single. He has been in a committed, long-term relationship since late 2019 with Shelley Bryan Wee. This relationship has garnered significant public interest due to the distinct background of his partner.

The Lutheran Bishop and the Travel Guru

Shelley Bryan Wee is a prominent figure in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), serving as a Bishop. She and Steves ran in the same social circles for years in their home state of Washington before officially beginning their relationship at the end of 2019.

The couple’s relationship has been publicly acknowledged in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she was referred to as his "quarantine partner," and more recently in articles discussing his health. They have shared photos together, including one from the Swiss Alps in 2022, confirming the seriousness of their bond. Steves has spoken highly of his partner, noting her positive influence and their shared values, even collaborating on public events related to faith and social justice, such as a benefit for ELCA World Hunger.

Is Rick Steves Planning to Marry Shelley Bryan Wee?

As of the most recent public updates in 2025, there has been no official announcement or indication that Rick Steves and Shelley Bryan Wee plan to marry. Steves appears content with his current relationship status, maintaining his independence while sharing his life with a supportive partner. The fact that he remains unmarried allows him to maintain the "travel light" philosophy not just in his luggage, but in his personal commitments, a choice that aligns with his overall life perspective.

The Steves Family: Children and Legacy

The legacy of Rick Steves extends beyond his guidebooks and television shows; it lives on through his two children, Andy Steves and Jackie Steves. Both have a presence in the travel world, ensuring the Steves name remains synonymous with European exploration.

  • Andy Steves: Following his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, Andy founded his own company, *Andy Steves' Europe*, which focuses on student-friendly, budget travel for those studying abroad.
  • Jackie Steves: Rick’s daughter, Jackie, is also involved in her father’s business and has been featured in some of his travel content, though she maintains a more private profile than her brother.

The strong family connection, despite the divorce from Anne Steves, highlights the enduring personal structure that supports the travel mogul’s demanding career. His children, along with his current partner, Shelley Bryan Wee, represent the core of his personal life, a life that has continued to evolve and flourish even after his divorce in 2010.

is rick steves married
is rick steves married

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