Who Is Kathryn Burrhus? The Quiet Life of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s First Wife Explained

Kathryn Burrhus is best known as the first wife of WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Before Austin became one of the most famous wrestlers in history, Kathryn was the woman who stood beside him during his early years, supporting him before fame, money, and success entered his life. While her name doesn’t often appear in the headlines, she remains an important figure in Austin’s life story and a reminder of his humble beginnings. Kathryn’s story is quiet, private, and deeply human—a story of love, patience, and the choice to live away from fame.

Quick Bio

Who is Kathryn Burrhus?

Early Life and Background

Kathryn Burrhus was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where she enjoyed a normal upbringing in a middle-class family. Growing up in Texas, she lived a quiet and simple life filled with strong family values, a supportive community, and a focus on education. She attended Edna High School in Edna, Texas, a small town that would later become part of wrestling history for one reason: because it was where she met Steve Austin.

During her teenage years, Kathryn was described as kind, polite, and encouraging, the type of person who always looked out for others. She wasn’t drawn to the spotlight or interested in public attention; instead, she valued meaningful relationships and living life with purpose and grace. Those early years in Texas were peaceful, and it was within this calm setting that her path would cross with the young man who would one day become a global superstar.

Kathryn Burrhus Age and Physical Details

Kathryn Burrhus was born on August 29, 1952, in Austin, Texas, which makes her 73 years old as of 2025. She has always stayed out of the public eye, so there are no recent photos or confirmed details about her current appearance. In her younger years, Kathryn was described as a kind and graceful woman with a natural look and a warm smile that matched her gentle personality. She preferred simplicity over glamour, often seen in modest clothing that reflected her calm and private nature. Because she values her privacy, her exact height, weight, and other physical details have never been made public

High School Love Story

Kathryn and Steve met in high school, and what started as a teenage friendship soon turned into something deeper. They were young, full of dreams, and shared a bond that many believed would last forever. Steve, then known by his real name Steven Williams, was a promising athlete who loved sports, while Kathryn was his biggest supporter. Their connection grew stronger over the years, and by the time they graduated, they had already built a foundation of trust and companionship that seemed unbreakable.

While Steve pursued football and later found his way into professional wrestling, Kathryn stayed by his side, encouraging him through every challenge. Those who knew them during that time described them as inseparable—two small-town sweethearts who truly believed in each other. Kathryn was always there, offering words of support when Steve’s athletic dreams faced obstacles, and her presence gave him the confidence to keep going even when the future looked uncertain.

Marriage and Early Life with Steve Austin

As Steve Austin’s dream of becoming a professional wrestler started taking shape, Kathryn continued to be his rock. In the late 1980s, Steve began training under wrestling legend Chris Adams at the Dallas Sportatorium, taking his first steps into what would become a legendary career. Life wasn’t easy in those days; professional wrestling was a demanding world filled with long hours, constant travel, and unpredictable pay. Still, Kathryn stood by him, believing in his potential and doing her best to be the steady presence he could rely on.

Their relationship was grounded in years of mutual respect and love, and after spending nearly a decade together, they decided to take the next step. On November 24, 1990, Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin got married, marking what they hoped would be the beginning of a lifelong journey together. It was a modest wedding, reflecting their humble beginnings, but it symbolized the commitment of two people who had grown up together and believed their love could withstand anything.

Who Is Steve Austin?

Struggles and Challenges

At the time of their marriage, Steve was still at the very beginning of his wrestling career. He had not yet become the “Texas Rattlesnake” or the global sensation fans know today. He was performing under smaller promotions and still finding his identity in the wrestling world. Kathryn continued to provide support, attending his early matches, cheering him on, and giving him emotional stability as he worked to establish himself.

However, the life of a wrestler can be incredibly demanding, and as Steve’s schedule became more intense, the distance between them began to grow. The constant travel, training sessions, and the unpredictable nature of the wrestling business left little time for a stable home life. Kathryn preferred a quiet and private lifestyle, far from the chaos of professional wrestling, and the difference between their worlds slowly began to take its toll.

End of Their Marriage

Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin’s marriage came to an end after less than two years together. They got married on November 24, 1990, but their relationship began to face problems as Steve’s wrestling career started to take off. The long travel schedules, time apart, and the pressures of his rising fame created distance between them.

Reports later suggested that Austin became involved with another woman, Jeannie Clarke, who later became his second wife. This situation added more strain to their marriage, leading to their divorce on August 7, 1992. Despite the breakup, Kathryn handled the separation quietly and chose not to speak publicly about their relationship, keeping her dignity and privacy intact.

Divorce

Their divorce was finalized on August 7, 1992, ending nearly twelve years of companionship, including their years together before marriage. The separation was relatively private, with no media spectacle or public disputes. It was a sad ending to what had once been a beautiful love story built on young love, loyalty, and dreams. After the divorce, Kathryn stepped completely away from the spotlight.

Unlike many others connected to celebrities, she did not give interviews, write a book, or try to capitalize on her connection to a famous name. Instead, she chose to maintain her privacy and live a quiet life away from public attention. This decision says much about her character—she valued her peace and integrity more than fame or money, even when she could have easily gained attention through her connection to one of wrestling’s most famous figures.

Steve Austin’s Rise to Fame

Steve Austin, on the other hand, continued to rise to global fame. After his divorce from Kathryn, he went on to marry Jeannie Clarke in the same year, 1992. Clarke played a major role in shaping his wrestling persona, even helping to create the “Stone Cold” name that would change his career forever. Austin’s success in the mid-to-late 1990s transformed him into a household name. His rebellious personality, intense rivalries, and iconic catchphrases made him one of the most popular wrestlers in history.

His matches against The Rock, Triple H, and his famous feud with Vince McMahon defined the WWE’s “Attitude Era.” During this time, Austin became a global icon, but his personal life continued to face challenges. He went through two more marriages—first to WWE personality Debra Marshall in 2000, which ended in 2003, and later to Kristin Feres in 2009, with whom he remains married. Through it all, Kathryn Burrhus’s name remained in the background, a quiet reminder of the life Austin lived before fame took over.

Role in Austin’s Life

Kathryn Burrhus’s role in Steve Austin’s life, though often overlooked, remains significant. She was there during his formative years, long before he achieved fame or financial success. Her belief in him, her emotional support, and her steady presence during his early struggles likely provided him with the confidence to keep pursuing his dreams.

In many ways, she represents the foundation of Austin’s early life—the part of his story that grounded him before fame changed everything. While she did not directly influence his wrestling persona or public career, her impact on his personal growth during his youth is undeniable. Without the stability and encouragement she offered in those years, Austin’s journey to the top might have been even harder than it already was.

Reflection on Wrestling Relationships

The story of Kathryn Burrhus also reflects a larger truth about the world of professional wrestling. Behind the flashing lights, roaring crowds, and global fame, there are personal sacrifices that often go unnoticed. The wrestling lifestyle is intense and unpredictable, and many relationships struggle to survive its demands.

Kathryn’s story serves as a reminder that the people who stand beside these stars often face challenges of their own—loneliness, distance, and the difficulty of living in the shadow of fame. While Steve Austin’s name will forever be remembered in wrestling history, Kathryn’s chapter in his life represents something deeply human: the story of love, loss, and quiet strength.

A Quiet and Private Life

Unlike many who might have sought revenge, attention, or a share of the spotlight, Kathryn took a different path. She chose silence over scandal and privacy over publicity. Her decision to live quietly after her divorce adds a sense of grace to her story, making her one of the more respectable figures connected to wrestling history.

Fans occasionally bring up her name in forums and biographies, often expressing curiosity about what happened to her. Yet, the truth is simple—she decided to step away completely and live her life privately, which may be the reason she remains such a mysterious figure even decades later.

Legacy

Kathryn Burrhus’s story is one of quiet strength and dignity. She was part of Steve Austin’s life long before he became famous, and although their marriage was short, her presence in his early years remains significant. She represents the part of his story that is often forgotten—the years of hard work, uncertainty, and dreams. Kathryn’s life after her marriage shows that true strength sometimes comes from silence and self-respect. While she may never be a public figure, her grace and privacy make her one of the most respectable names connected to wrestling history.

Kathryn Burrhus’s Net Worth

Kathryn Burrhus’s net worth has never been confirmed. Since she stayed away from public life and did not work in entertainment or wrestling, her income sources are not publicly known. However, some unverified sources estimate her net worth to be between $200,000 and $1 million. It’s important to note that these figures are speculative and based on assumptions rather than official records. Unlike her ex-husband Steve Austin, who has an estimated net worth of over $35 million, Kathryn has lived a modest and private life without seeking wealth or fame.

Conclusion