TV Celebrities
Who Is Matt Lauer’s Wife? Inside His Marriage and Divorce Stories
Matt Lauer has been married and divorced twice to date.
Matthew Todd Lauer, better known as Matt Lauer, is a former American television news personality. He came into the limelight for his works with multiple media/news houses, particularly with NBC News.
From 1994 to 1997, he served as the news anchor for The Today Show, and in 1997, he was promoted to co-host. Since then, he served as the program’s co-host until NBC terminated his contract in 2017 amid sexual allegations against him.
After Lauer was accused of sexual misconduct, his well-established professional life started to shatter. And the same began to happen in his personal life as well. However, it could also be said that his personal life wasn’t always on the right track. Here is a detailed look!
Matt Lauer’s first marriage was with Nancy Alspaugh
Lauer was first married to the Emmy-winning TV producer named Nancy Alspaugh. So, it’s fair to say that Lauer’s first wife is Alspaugh.
The formerly married couple first met each other in 1980 and eventually began dating in 1981. The following year, on July 17, 1982, they shared the wedding vows in an intimate ceremony.
A collage picture of Matt Lauer and his first wife Nancy Alspaugh (Photo: WireImage/Getty Images)
However, their marital relationship didn’t last long as they parted ways around six years later in 1988 — their divorce was finalized in the same year. Additionally, the two were yet to welcome any kids in their marriage.
Although divorced, Lauer and Alspaugh seem to have maintained a good bond. Besides, Alspaugh even defended her ex-husband when he was accused of sexual misconduct. In her 2018 interview with Entertainment Online, she said:
I don’t think he’s been given a chance to defend himself, and I hope one day soon he will be able to tell his story. I’m sure it will be soon. He is beginning to feel like himself again, and people will finally hear his side of the story.
After their split, Alspaugh married Fox Sports Net executive H. Read Jackson. Together, they had adopted a son named Wyatt Jackson — when he was three, he was diagnosed with Autism.
On January 25, 2016, Alspaugh became a widow after her second husband’s death following a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Since then, she has been raising her son as a single mother.
Matt Lauer’s second marriage was with Annette Roque
Almost a decade after Lauer divorced his first wife; the former news personality met his future second wife, a Dutch model named Annette Roque, on a blind date in July 1997.
They clicked and eventually started dating. Five months into their relationship, Lauer was ready to propose to his then-girlfriend — Roque said yes, and they got engaged. And on October 3, 1998, they shared the wedding vows in Bridgehampton, New York.
Less than three years after their marriage, on June 26, 2001, the couple welcomed their first child together — they had a son named Jack Matthew Lauer. Similarly, on October 2, 2003, Roque gave birth to their second child, a daughter named Romy Lauer.
In 2006, Lauer and Roque were expecting their third child. During that time, Roque had filed for a divorce against Lauer, citing reasons like “mental abuse, extreme mental and emotional distress, humiliation, torment, and anxiety.”
Matt Lauer and Annette Roque in front of Taj Mahal, India, in April 1998 (Photo: NBC/NBC NewsWire)
However, they seemed to have reconciled their relationship as Roque withdrew her divorce paper. On November 28, 2006, the almost-divorced couple welcomed another new member into their family; a son named Thijs Lauer.
After that, everything seemed fine between the married pair, and things were back on track. But, Roque’s filing for divorce later raised suspicions about Lauer’s faithfulness towards his wife and their marriage.
Fast forward to 2010, there were rumors of Lauer moving out of his house and having an extramarital affair. Lauer later denied these speculations during his interview with People as he called it “ridiculous” and “offensive.”
In addition, he said, “Have we had a completely perfect, easy marriage? No. But the stories you’ve read over the years are not true. I don’t think we’re any different than any married couple that’s been together for 12 years.”
“The accusations [of infidelity] are ridiculous, and I’m not going to [dignify] them with an answer. It’s not true,” he added.
Moreover, Roque was also interviewed by the outlet separately, and during her interview, she mentioned that they have had difficulties in their marriage in the past, but they “have worked through it.”
Matt Lauer with his three children at Madison Square Garden in January 2016 (Photo: James Devaney / Getty Images)
In July 2016, it was again said that Lauer was being unfaithful towards Roque after rumors of him having an affair with his former Today co-anchor Natalie Morales came out. And much like last time, the rumors were again denied.
In his interview with The New York Post, Lauer said, “Every aspect of this story is untrue, and it’s frankly sad that someone would tell lies to harm everyone involved.” “There is absolutely no truth to this completely absurd story,” Morales added on her part.
She continued, “It is damaging, hurtful, and extremely sexist. I have proven myself in all aspects of my job as a news professional and journalist, and am adding to my role, taking on three jobs with Access Hollywood Live and Access Hollywood, in addition to Today.”
“This move was dictated by me and my desire to grow in my career. Any insinuations beyond that are uninformed,” Morales concluded her story.
Matt Lauer gets fired from the Today show amid sexual misconduct allegations
On November 29, 2017, the Today show co-hosts, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, announced on-air that Lauer was let go from the media network after being accused of sexual misconduct by an unidentified female NBC employee.
Likewise, the memorandum sent by the chairman of NBC News, Andrew Lack, to other staff read, “On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer.”
“…While it is the first complaint about his behavior in the over 20 years he’s been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”
It was mentioned that the unidentified female NBC employee had reported about the sexual misconduct she suffered at the hands of Lauer during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia — which had continued even after they arrived in New York.
Moreover, in a report published by Variety, three more unidentified women had come forward to allege that Lauer sexually harassed them. After three days of silence, Lauer finally released an official statement and apologized to his loved ones.
In October 2019, former NBC producer Brooke Nevils claimed via Ronan Farrow’s book, Catch and Kill, that she was “anally raped” by Lauer while working together at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. However, Lauer denied all allegations, saying, “Each act was mutual and consensual.”
Annette Roque filed for divorce from Matt Lauer
After Lauer was accused of sexual misconduct, reports appeared that he and his second wife were already living separately. At the time, a source told Entertainment Tonight, “Matt and Annette lived separately, with Matt spending many nights in his Manhattan apartment.”
Matt Lauer with his second ex-wife Annette Roque (Photo: Twitter)
And after Lauer’s sexual misconduct allegations were made public, it became tough for Roque to even walk around in public. “As time passed, the humiliation turned to anger. The last two years of their marriage were hell,” the source told ET.
In December 2017, it was noticed that both Lauer and Roque had stopped wearing their wedding rings. At the time, Henri, Roque’s father, told DailyMail, “She is not going to stay with him and work it out. They are not together trying to work it out.”
Finally, after months and months of speculations, Roque finally filed for divorce from Lauer on July 2, 2019, in Suffolk County Court in New York. Their divorce was finalized on September 5.
As per reports, it’s said that Roque received around $20 million in assets and was also awarded the now-former couple’s Hamptons horse farm located in Water Mill.
And over a month after their divorce was finalized, Roque finally responded a little to the accusations against her ex-husband. On October 9, her lawyer told People that she is focused on her three children.
“In response to your inquiry, our client has asked us to tell you that now that the parties are officially divorced, her priority and only concern is for their wonderful children. Our client will make no further statements,” Roque’s lawyer John M. Teitler further said.
What is Matt Lauer doing now?
Since losing everything in 2017 and the following months, Lauer seems to be keeping a low profile for now and is currently residing in an undisclosed location.
Lauer might not have a wife now, but he presently relishes the company of his beautiful girlfriend, Shamin Abas. Abas owns a luxury brand marketing firm and is a marketing and public relations executive.
A collage picture of Matt Lauer and his new girlfriend Shamin Abas (Photo: Twitter)
The now-dating couple had known each other for more than a decade before officially taking their friendship on a romantic turn. They officially began dating sometime around December 2019 and have been together since.
At the time, a source close to Lauer told Page Six, “Matt and Shamin have known each other for many years, as she spends a lot of time in the Hamptons, as does he. They very recently began dating; she is a lovely woman.”
In August 2021, the couple was seen together attending a country-set event in the Hamptons — where Lauer’s second ex-wife was also present. Nonetheless, the formerly married couple didn’t cross paths.
TV Celebrities
Facts about NBC Journalist Ben Collins’ Age, Family, Girlfriend, and More
Everything about the NBC Journalist!
Ben Collins is an experienced American reporter who has been working with NBC News for more than six years. Per his byline or bio on the NBC News official website, he “covers disinformation, extremism and the internet for NBC News.”
Before joining the New York-based broadcasting television network in March 2018, he used to work at The Daily Beast. He worked there for three years and four months as the senior news editor.
Ben Collins’ Wikipedia: Age and family
As of February 6, 2024, Collins is reportedly around 48 years of age. Born in 1975, the reporter celebrates his birthday every year on February 13, per multiple media outlets. If that’s true, then his zodiac sign is Aquarius.
Talking about his family, there are little to no details available about them. It’s so because Collins lives a private life and doesn’t prefer to share many details about his early and family life. Due to that, there is no information on his parents and other family members.
However, his Twitter post of July 24, 2023, hints that he might have a brother. He posted a photo alongside a man, and when asked, Collins replied that the man was his brother. But it’s unknown if the man is his actual brother or a friend whom he regards as his brother.
Ben Collins watching AEW Collision with his “brother” (Photo: Twitter)
Nonetheless, there is a tidbit of information when it comes to the Byfield, Massachusetts native’s education. As per his LinkedIn profile, Collins studied Journalism at Emerson College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
How tall is Ben Collins?
Like his early and family life, there is no concurring information about Collins’s height. Several media outlets have reported that the reporter stands at the height of 5 feet 7 inches and weighs around 154 lbs. However, it’s unknown if it’s his exact height and weight.
Is Ben Collins married?
It has already been established that Collins lives a private life and doesn’t share many things about his life with the world. One of those many things is his personal life.
Due to that, it was unknown whether he was married to a wife or dating a girlfriend. However, when we took a look at the reporter’s Facebook profile, we found something that might shed some light on his love life.
On Collins’s Facebook account, there was a highlight section that contained five pictures. Among the five photos, the very first was a seven-year-old photo in which Collins seemed to be with his partner alongside his other friend and that friend’s significant other.
Ben Collins with his rumored girlfriend (on the right) and his other friends (Photo: Facebook)
There were smiles all around the picture as they stood near a lake on a sunny day. The following three photos in that featured section were random, but the last one again showed the reporter alongside a lady.
But it couldn’t be said if she was the same as in the first picture. Moreover, it also cannot be said that the lady in the first and last picture is Collins’ wife or girlfriend, as there is no substantial evidence to prove it.
Some months ago, on October 16, 2023, Collins posted a picture where he was seen alongside a lady named Danielle Strle. The two were at a WNBA game and holding a Bud Light Beer in their respective hands.
This prompted one Twitter user to tweet, “Wait Ben’s not gay?” Many believed that Strle was probably Collins’ girlfriend or wife. But, once again, nothing of that sort has been confirmed by Collins. Strle’s Twitter handle is also locked, so no details can be gathered from there.
To conclude, without any official confirmation or evidence, Collins’ present relationship status remains unknown. And until anything comes out, it’s only safe to assume he might be single.
Ben Collins is supportive of LGBTQ rights
For a long time, Collins has been rumored to be gay, leading many to ask questions like, “Is Ben Collins gay?” The question about his sexuality has also been raised due to his extremely secretive dating life.
So, what’s the truth? Is Ben Collins gay? The answer seems to be no, as Collins is yet to speak about his sexuality. Since there is no clarification, it’s only best to assume that Collins’ isn’t gay and his sexuality is straight.
That said, for a long time, Collins has supported the LGBTQ+ community [including gay, lesbian, queer, and others] and their rights. He has also talked about LGBTQ+ rights multiple times on Twitter.
For instance, on June 17, 2022, he sat down with MSNBC’s Hallie Jackson and discussed the rising threat the LGBTQ+ community is facing in the United States. The two talked about several factors that might impact the LGBTQ+ community.
Ben Collins’ career explored
Earlier, we talked a little about Collins’ career — from his present work at NBC News as their senior reporter to his former work as the senior news editor at The Daily Beast. Before those two jobs, Collins had served in different positions at different news companies.
His journey started sometime after graduating from Emerson College when he joined SLAM Magazine in 2007. While he was there, he served as their Writer/Online columnist. Additionally, in 2009, he started doing a double job, and his new job was as a Columnist for Boston.com.
But, after two years, he left his position at Boston.com. Similarly, just one year later, in 2012, Collins resigned from his position at SLAM Magazine. But, he wasn’t left unemployed as he had already joined Hulu as their editor in January 2011 — a position he held till October 2013.
After his stint at Hulu, he joined Esquire Magazine in October 2013 and started working as their News Editor. He left the position in November 2014 and joined The Daily Beast in December 2014 — a position he held till March 2018.
Finally, he ended up joining NBC News in March 2018 and has been there since. As mentioned earlier, he “covers disinformation, extremism and the internet” for NBC News. The title of his job says it all about his work at NBC News.
However, it comes with some drawbacks. For instance, in October 2023, he took to the micro-blogging app Bluesky to reveal that he had been receiving death threats for his reporting, which had made him “irrevocably depressed and anxious.”
A month before that, in September 2023, he revealed that unless things dramatically changed, he would leave journalism in early 2024. But considering that he is still working as a journalist for NBC News, some things might have changed positively for Collins.
TV Celebrities
Chelsea DeBoer and Husband Cole DeBoer Jointly Boast an Impressive Net Worth
Chelsea DeBoer and her husband Cole DeBoer are not just life partners; they are also business partners.
American television personality Chelsea DeBoer and her husband Cole DeBoer have amassed a combined net worth totaling millions of dollars.
According to Mommythings, Chelsea is reported to have an estimated net worth of around $2 million. On the other hand, her husband Cole is said to hold a net worth of approximately $500,000. So, their combined worth is around $3 million.
They have amassed this impressive net worth primarily through their extensive involvement in the reality television series Teen Mom, broadcast on MTV.
During her tenure on the show, the television star initially earned $250,000 per season, as reported by Radar Online. Over time, her compensation increased, reaching close to $300,000 per episode.
Chelsea first appeared on the show in 2011, courageously opening up her life to the cameras from the early days of 16 & Pregnant.
Chelsea DeBoer and her husband Cole DeBoer worked together to amass a multimillion-dollar net worth. (Source: People)
In the same series, the television star began dating her now-husband, Cole, in 2014, and their relationship has been a significant storyline. Together, the couple has garnered great fame and recognition, building a substantial fan base.
It is evident that Chelsea and Cole’s salary from MTV is significant, but it’s not their only source of income. Apart from their television earnings, the power couple has diversified their financial portfolio by exploring various income streams.
Chelsea DeBoer and Cole DeBoer hosted ‘Down Home Fab’ on HGTV
Chelsea and Cole’s shared passion for design blossomed as they embarked on building their dream home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, starting in April 2020. The television star took the lead in the creative and design aspects, while her husband worked the construction part.
Before the couple came into their own as home renovation experts, Cole had a background in construction, influenced by his grandfather who was a skilled carpenter. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “I worked in construction for years before this. So it’s kind of what I like to do—I like to work with my hands, get dirty.”
Upon completing their own home, the couple recognized the potential to extend their passion for building and designing to help other couples achieve their dreams. This realization led to the creation of their HGTV series, Down Home Fab.
Through the show, Chelsea and Cole aim to inspire couples who are willing to take the risk of building something special from the ground up, showcasing their expertise and love for the creative process.
When reflecting on her transition from MTV to HGTV, Chelsea shared her journey with Entertainment Tonight, stating, “There was no plan at all. I fully left Teen Mom thinking that’s probably it, but I was okay with that also. I just felt like that’s fine. So the fact that this happened after closing that door, it’s been a wild ride.”
Chelsea conveyed her deep sense of pride regarding the new show, expressing, “I feel so proud of the show and to share the show.”
She admitted that there were times during her Teen Mom days when she felt nervous about the episodes airing, questioning whether she had shared too much or revealed something that should have been kept private for her kids. In contrast, she now emphasized, “I just don’t feel that at all [with this show].”
While the new series still offers glimpses of her family life, Chelsea described the content as very lighthearted, highlighting a shift in her comfort level with sharing aspects of her life on television.
In addition to their television ventures, the duo actively manage an online home decor business named Aubree Says, a homage to Chelsea’s eldest child. The product line encompasses a diverse array of offerings, including candles, throw blankets, mugs, wall art, and even slippers.
Expanding their entrepreneurial portfolio, the television personality further serves as a co-owner of Belle & Rae Co, a company specializing in designing presets or filters for digital photos.
She and Cole also started a business called the Chelsea + Cole Collection for Itzy Ritzy. The products include stylish and useful accessories for modern moms and dads.
Now that Chelsea and Cole have ventured into their own HGTV show and other various business ventures the couple’s net worth is poised for substantial growth.
Chelsea DeBoer has an impressive entrepreneurial spirit
Chelsea started her clothing line before leaving Teen Mom in 2020. She partnered with the already-established Laurie Belle’s to include pieces that speak to her specific style.
Continuing under the name Lily & Lottie, the television personality’s clothing venture remains active, complementing her expanding portfolio of business endeavors. Some of the pieces on the website include a distressed crew sweatshirt for $54 and metallic leggings for $48.
While Chelsea doesn’t personally design the clothes, entrusting that role to clothing designer Laurie Karlson, she actively curates the selection for her specific line on the website. This hands-on approach ensures that each item aligns with Chelsea’s vision and resonates with her audience.
According to Lily & Lottie’s Instagram, the brand’s goal is to make people feel ’empowered’ in the clothes, showing how Chelsea’s fashion hustle is all about boosting confidence and style.
Likewise, a significant part of Chelsea’s success comes from her massive influence on social media. She has over 6.7 million followers on her Instagram.
The television personality not only engages in numerous collaborations and sponsored content but also actively promotes her various brands. For instance, on November 4, 2023, she excitedly announced the restock of phone cases from her collaboration with Walli Cases.
In her Instagram post, Chelsea shared snapshots featuring her radiant smile and two Apple iPhones, capturing the moment with her red hair flowing in the breeze and a stylish brown fringe jacket.
Similarly, another image showed the television star holding a phone and donning a black cowboy hat while leaning against a fence. In the caption of the post, she encouraged her followers to purchase the restocked items.
Chelsea DeBoer first came to the spotlight in 2011 after appearing on MTV’s Teen Mom 2.
Since then, Chelsea has become a global inspiration for women and young mothers everywhere. While in Teen Mom 2, she began dating her current husband, Cole DeBoer, in 2014.
Now, they are married and have been the best parents to Aubree, Watson, Layne, and Walker DeBoer. They even have their own HGTV show, Down Home Fab.
Here is all we know about the duo.
Chelsea DeBoer and her husband Cole DeBoer
Chelsea first saw her husband at a gas station in 2014 and it was love at first sight for her. She recalled to US Weekly;
“He was across at the other pump. And I looked, and he was staring at me. We didn’t even talk. We just kept looking at each other because we’re both shy. And then we were passing each other when we left because we lived out towards the same way.”
Since their first encounter, Chelsea knew that Cole was the one for her. She went home to her friend and said, “I just saw the guy I’m going to marry at the gas station, but we didn’t talk.’”
Thankfully, Cole contacted her on social media. She said, “And a few days later, he contacted me on social media and was like, ‘Hi. I got gas next to you the other day.’ And I was like, ‘Thank you, Jesus.’”
Chelsea was a single mother to Aubree, whom she shared with ex-boyfriend Adam Lind, before meeting Cole. While the reality TV star frequently returned to her boyfriend, she ended things with Adam for real after falling for Cole.
In 2015, Cole moved in with Chelsea and Aubree. In November 2015, Cole proposed to Chelsea but only after asking Aubree for permission.
Thankfully, Aubree was excited for Cole and Chelsea to get married and soon, the duo got engaged. In October 2016, the duo tied the knot in an intimate ceremony.
The duo have been together since then and there has been no Chelsea and Cole cheating scandal. Their HGTV show and social media also show that Chelsea leads a very happy life with her husband and children.
Chelsea DeBoer’s children
Chelsea and her partner at the time, Lind, had their first child, Aubree, in 2009. Chelsea’s relationship with Lind was tumultuous from the start, and Teen Mom 2 fans saw young Chelsea struggle to find her feet as a single mom.
However, after parting from Lind, Chelsea found her happily ever after with her current husband, Cole. She shares three children with her present husband.
Chelsea DeBoer, her husband Cole DeBoer, and their four children. (Source: Instagram)
Chelsea was pregnant with her second child, Cole’s first child, when the duo got married. They welcomed Watson on January 25, 2017.
They welcomed their daughter, Layne, on August 29, 2018. Their daughter, Walker, was born on the same day as Watson, but four years apart.
Walker was born on January 25, 2021. Despite not being Aubree’s biological father, Cole considered herself as her dad like he is for his other children.
Cole has remained a constant in his stepdaughter’s life, despite Aubree’s biological father’s drug addiction and repeated incarceration. During an Instagram Q&A in November 2018, he even stated that if given the opportunity, he would “100%” adopt Aubree.
When asked if taking on the position of stepfather was tough for him, Cole said, “Not at all,” before providing advice to individuals in a similar circumstance.
“Don’t force the bond. Make/enjoy moments. Be there. Support. Show you care and are reliable. That’s Love,” he said.
Because neither Chelsea nor Cole has provided an update on Adam and his parental rights, however, it appears that Cole has yet to formally adopt Aubree.
Chelsea and Cole Lawsuit
Chelsea and Cole have an ongoing lawsuit. Chelsea and her husband, Cole, were sued for $3 million by consulting firm Envy in 2020 for allegedly withholding money from social media promotions.
Envy filed an Amended Complaint in the same complaint, adding Chelsea and Cole’s firms Down Home DeBoer, Aubree Says, Dakota Ln LLC, and DeBoer Holding Company as defendants. The ex-business partner is now claiming for $4 million.
Cole and Chelsea filed a countersuit, rejecting the charges. They also claim that Envy withheld $155,000 in revenues from them.
Envy had originally requested $3 million from the couple, but they increased it to $4 million in 2020. Many of the couple’s other businesses are now named in the case, including Down Home DeBoer, Aubree Says, Dakota Ln LLC, and DeBoer Holding Company.
Envy has been with Chelsea since 2015, while Cole joined them in 2016. Both parties have just recently concluded discovery, when they supplied all evidence and witness statements, over three years later. Because neither Envy nor the DeBoers consented to a settlement, the dispute will be heard in court.
Chelsea claimed Envy has “actually harmed the professional careers of Defendants Chelsea and Cole by withholding considerable payments from them and acting in an unprofessional manner, including but not limited to, arguing with and acting disrespectfully toward Chelsea and Cole, potential and then-existing licensing contacts, and other professional contacts of Chelsea and Cole.”
They also claimed that Envy intentionally omitted numerous deals and/or revenues from the Account Statements for the sole purpose of depriving the defendants of receiving funds rightfully due and owing to them.
Chelsea claimed they owed her $154,074.62 from business transactions. In their reaction, Envy disputed the allegations made against them.
Envy also wants a third of Chelsea and Cole’s earnings from Viacom, the media firm that owns MTV.
According to the court documents, Envy worked on both the initial Viacom deal as well as changes and extensions to it during the duration of the DeBoer Agreements. If appropriate, emails demonstrating Envy’s role in creating and modifying the relevant agreements, as well as supporting Chelsea and Cole in complying with them, would be used to demonstrate this fact.
According to the court documents, they are entitled to “35 percent of millions of dollars of revenue from the Viacom Agreements,” which is the same figure they agreed with for social media revenue. Chelsea and Cole filed a motion to reject the request.
At the time of writing, there have been no updates on the lawsuit.
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