Who Is Annette Roque? The Private Life of Matt Lauer’s Ex Wife, Model, and Equestrian

0 13 8 minutes read

Annette Roque is a former international model and horse enthusiast who gained public attention through her marriage to television host Matt Lauer. Although she once lived in the spotlight during Lauer’s career on the Today, Roque has always preferred a quieter life. Today she focuses on her family and her equestrian interests in the Hamptons, maintaining a largely private lifestyle away from media attention.

Quick Bio

Full Name	Annette Roque
Birth Month and Year	December 1966
Birthplace	Netherlands
Nationality	Dutch
Ethnicity	Dutch and Indonesian
Profession	Former Model, Equestrian
Famous For	Marriage to Matt Lauer
Marital Status	Divorced
Ex Spouse	Matt Lauer
Children	Jack Lauer, Romy Lauer, Thijs Lauer
Residence	Hamptons, New York
Business	Bright Side Farm
Estimated Net Worth	Around $20 million

Who Is Annette Roque

Annette Roque is a Dutch born former fashion model and equestrian trainer. She became widely known in the United States after marrying television journalist Matt Lauer, who was one of the most recognizable faces on the Today show for many years.

Before entering the public spotlight through her marriage, Roque had already built a career in the modeling industry. She worked in Europe and the United States and appeared in advertising campaigns for well known fashion and beauty brands.

Despite the public attention surrounding her marriage and later divorce, Roque has remained largely private. Since her separation from Lauer, she has chosen to focus on raising her children and running her horse training facility in New York.

Early Life and Family Background

Annette Roque was born in December 1966 in the Netherlands. She comes from a multicultural family background. Her mother is Dutch, while her father has Indonesian roots. This unique heritage gave Roque a distinctive look that later helped her find success in the modeling world.

Details about her childhood and early education remain mostly private. However, it is known that she grew up in Europe and developed an early interest in fashion and travel.

Her upbringing in the Netherlands exposed her to international culture, which later helped her adapt easily when she moved to major fashion centers like Paris and New York. These early experiences played an important role in shaping her professional journey.

Modeling Career in Europe

Annette Roque began her modeling career in Europe during her early twenties. At the age of 22, she moved to Paris, which has long been considered one of the global capitals of fashion.

In Paris she worked under the stage name Jade. The name helped her build a professional identity within the competitive modeling industry. Roque quickly gained attention for her distinctive appearance and elegant style.

During this time she appeared in various European advertising campaigns, especially in cosmetics and fashion promotions. Her career continued to grow as she worked with photographers, designers, and brands across the continent.

Modeling allowed Roque to travel extensively and experience life in several major cities. The success she found in Europe eventually opened doors to opportunities in the United States.

Modeling Career in the United States

After establishing herself in Europe, Annette Roque moved to New York to expand her modeling career. The American fashion industry offered new possibilities and greater visibility.

In the United States she worked with several well known brands. Her modeling portfolio included campaigns and catalog appearances for companies such as Victoria’s Secret, J Crew, and Revlon. These opportunities placed her in front of a wide audience and helped her build recognition in the fashion world.

Roque’s modeling work appeared in magazines, advertisements, and fashion catalogs throughout the 1990s. At the height of her career she was known for her polished look and international appeal.

Although modeling brought her professional success, Roque eventually stepped away from the industry as her personal life changed and her family became her main focus.

Meeting Matt Lauer

Annette Roque met Matt Lauer in 1997 through a blind date arranged by mutual friends. At the time, Lauer was already becoming a prominent television journalist and host.

Their relationship developed quickly after the initial meeting. Friends and colleagues noticed the strong connection between the two. Roque’s calm personality and private nature contrasted with the fast paced world of television broadcasting that Lauer was part of.

Within a short time the couple decided to take their relationship further. Their romance soon became a topic of interest in media circles due to Lauer’s growing fame.

Marriage to Matt Lauer

Annette Roque and Matt Lauer were married in October 1998. The wedding took place during a period when Lauer’s career at NBC was reaching new heights.

As Lauer became one of the most recognized morning television hosts in America, Roque occasionally appeared alongside him at public events and gatherings. Despite the public attention surrounding her husband’s career, she maintained a relatively private role.

During their marriage the couple owned several high value properties, including homes in New York and the Hamptons. One of their most notable real estate purchases was an estate previously owned by actor Richard Gere.

Throughout the early years of their marriage, Roque focused on family life while Lauer continued his demanding television schedule.

Children and Family Life

Annette Roque and Matt Lauer have three children together. Their eldest child is Jack Lauer, followed by their daughter Romy Lauer and their youngest son Thijs Lauer.

Family life was an important part of Roque’s identity during her marriage. She spent much of her time caring for their children and maintaining a stable home environment.

Romy Lauer later developed a strong interest in equestrian sports, following in her mother’s footsteps. She has participated in competitive show jumping events and has shared parts of her journey through equestrian competitions.

Roque has always prioritized her children’s well being. Even after the end of her marriage, she has remained focused on supporting their education and personal development.

Marriage Challenges

Like many high profile marriages, the relationship between Annette Roque and Matt Lauer experienced challenges over the years.

In 2006 Roque briefly filed for divorce. At the time the filing attracted attention in the media. However, the couple later reconciled and the divorce request was withdrawn.

For several years after that period, the couple continued their marriage while maintaining their family life. They remained together for more than a decade after the earlier filing.

Although details of their personal struggles were mostly kept private, the public would later learn more about the circumstances that eventually led to their final separation.

Matt Lauer Scandal and Its Impact

In 2017 Matt Lauer was dismissed from NBC following allegations of workplace misconduct. The news quickly became a major national story and significantly changed the public perception of the former television host.

The scandal placed intense media attention on the entire family. For Annette Roque, the situation created a difficult period as she tried to protect her children from the constant public discussion.

During this time Roque remained largely silent and avoided public interviews. Her main focus appeared to be maintaining stability for her family.

The events surrounding the scandal ultimately contributed to the couple’s decision to separate permanently.

Divorce and Settlement

Annette Roque and Matt Lauer finalized their divorce in September 2019 after more than twenty years of marriage.

Reports at the time indicated that Roque received a settlement estimated to be around twenty million dollars. She also retained ownership of certain properties and assets connected to the family.

One of the most notable parts of the settlement involved Bright Side Farm, the horse training facility located in the Hamptons. The property became an important part of Roque’s life after the divorce.

Following the settlement, the former couple began living separate lives while continuing to co parent their children.

Bright Side Farm and Equestrian Career

Annette Roque has long had a passion for horses and equestrian sports. This interest eventually led her to manage Bright Side Farm, a well known horse training facility located in Water Mill, New York.

The farm covers around forty acres and includes indoor riding arenas, outdoor jumping courses, and professional training spaces. It serves as a hub for equestrian training and competitions in the Hamptons area.

Roque is actively involved in the daily operations of the farm. Her work includes overseeing training programs, caring for horses, and supporting riders who compete in show jumping events.

The equestrian business allows Roque to combine her professional work with her lifelong love of horses.

Life in the Hamptons

Since her divorce, Annette Roque has continued to live in the Hamptons in New York. The region is known for its coastal landscapes, quiet communities, and equestrian culture.

Living in this environment provides Roque with the privacy she values. The area allows her to focus on family life and the management of Bright Side Farm without constant media attention.

The Hamptons also offer a strong equestrian community. This makes it an ideal location for Roque’s horse training activities and competitions.

Although she occasionally appears at equestrian events or family milestones, Roque generally keeps her life out of the public spotlight.

Relationship With Matt Lauer After Divorce

Despite the difficulties surrounding their separation, Annette Roque and Matt Lauer appear to maintain a respectful co parenting relationship.

Their shared priority remains the well being of their three children. Over the years they have occasionally been seen together at important family events.

One example occurred in 2022 when both parents attended their daughter Romy’s high school graduation. Observers noted that they appeared to interact in a calm and cooperative way.

Their ability to focus on their children has helped create stability for the family despite the changes in their personal relationship.

Annette Roque Lifestyle and Interests

Annette Roque leads a relatively quiet lifestyle compared with many public figures connected to the entertainment or media industries.

Much of her daily routine revolves around caring for horses, managing the farm, and supporting her children’s activities. Her love for equestrian sports remains a central part of her identity.

Roque also enjoys the peaceful surroundings of the Hamptons, where outdoor activities and nature play a large role in everyday life.

Unlike many former models or celebrity spouses, she does not maintain a significant public presence on social media. This choice reflects her desire for privacy and a balanced life away from the spotlight.

Annette Roque Net Worth

Annette Roque’s estimated net worth is widely reported to be around twenty million dollars. Much of this wealth is believed to come from her divorce settlement with Matt Lauer.

In addition to the settlement, Roque owns and operates Bright Side Farm, which is considered a valuable equestrian property in the Hamptons area.

Her earlier modeling career also contributed to her financial stability. While she no longer works in fashion, the professional success she achieved during the 1990s helped establish her independent career.

Overall, Roque’s financial position allows her to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while focusing on her family and business.

Where Is Annette Roque Now?

Today Annette Roque lives a quiet and private life in the Hamptons. Her main priorities remain her children and her work with horses.

She continues to manage Bright Side Farm and remains active in the equestrian community. Her daughter Romy has also developed a strong interest in horse competitions, creating a shared passion between mother and daughter.

Although she once appeared regularly in media coverage due to her marriage, Roque now prefers to stay out of public attention. Her life today reflects a focus on family, stability, and personal interests rather than celebrity.

FAQs

Who is Annette Roque?

Annette Roque is a Dutch born former fashion model and equestrian trainer. She became widely known as the former wife of television journalist Matt Lauer.