It is kind of funny how we still ask, is Howard Stern married, like he might just wake up one day and decide he's a bachelor again. Honestly, the man has been a staple of the "happily married" club for so long that it’s easy to forget he was once the poster child for messy, public divorce.
As of early 2026, yes, Howard Stern is very much married. He is still with Beth Ostrosky Stern. They’ve been legal since 2008, but the story started way before the rings were even a thing. People get confused because Howard's persona is so loud, yet his domestic life is, well, surprisingly quiet. Mostly cats. Lots of cats.
The Beth Era: Why it Actually Works
Let’s be real for a second. When Howard and Beth first started showing up on red carpets in the early 2000s, the tabloids were ready to pounce. He was the "Shock Jock" recently separated from his wife of 20-plus years, Alison Berns. Beth was a model 18 years his junior.
It looked like a cliché.
Except it wasn't. They met at a dinner party in 2000. Beth was actually on a blind date with someone else who was apparently "obnoxious." Howard, sitting across the table, made his move—not with some suave pickup line, but by telling her she had beautiful eyes.
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They dated for seven years. Seven. That’s an eternity in celebrity time. He finally popped the question in February 2007 with a massive 5.2-carat diamond.
The Wedding That Wasn't in the Hamptons
They originally thought about a big Hamptons bash. Then they pivoted. On October 3, 2008, they tied the knot at Le Cirque in New York City. Mark Consuelos officiated. Billy Joel and John Mayer performed. It was a high-wattage event, but according to Beth, it felt intimate.
The couple even "remarried" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2019. It was a surprise proposal because Howard apparently loves the "proposal part" of a relationship. It sounds cheesy, but if you listen to his show, you know he’s actually a huge softie when it comes to her.
What Most People Miss About His First Marriage
You can't really talk about Howard's current status without acknowledging Alison Berns. They were college sweethearts at Boston University. They married in 1978 and stayed together through his meteoric rise from a local DC DJ to a global phenomenon.
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They have three daughters: Emily, Debra, and Ashley.
The divorce was finalized in 2001. Howard has admitted in interviews, particularly with Rolling Stone, that he felt like a failure after the split. He’s been pretty protective of Alison’s privacy since then, which is a rare move for a guy who shares everything else.
Bill Maher recently caught heat from Howard for suggesting that Howard’s "gushing" about Beth must make Alison feel bad. Howard didn't take it well. He basically told Maher to shut his mouth, defending both his right to love his wife and his respect for his ex.
The Current State of Affairs (2026)
If you're wondering what their daily life looks like now, imagine a very wealthy animal shelter. That’s basically it. Beth is a powerhouse in the animal rescue world, specifically with the North Shore Animal League America.
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- The Hamptons House: Their primary residence is in Southampton.
- The "Foster Rooms": They have dedicated rooms for foster cats in all their homes (Manhattan and Palm Beach included).
- The Count: Beth has helped facilitate the adoption of over 2,000 cats.
Howard often jokes on air about being "trapped" by the cats, but he’s clearly the biggest financier and supporter of the whole operation. He even takes the photos for her Instagram.
Is There Trouble in Paradise?
Every few years, a rumor pops up that they’re splitting. Usually, it's because Howard is being a hermit. During the pandemic, he famously didn't leave his house for years, which put a strain on anyone’s sanity.
Beth addressed this on Ellen a few years back, saying they’ve had "20 years of marital bliss" and she still loves her "Howard." In January 2026, following Howard's announcement of a new three-year extension with SiriusXM, it’s clear his "home life" is what keeps him grounded. He specifically mentioned that he’s "figured out a way to have it all"—more free time to be with his family while still being the King of All Media until at least 2028.
Real Evidence of Stability
- No Leaks: Despite being surrounded by staffers like Gary Dell'Abate and Fred Norris for decades, there have never been credible leaks of marital strife.
- Social Media: Beth’s Instagram is a constant stream of Howard in the background, usually covered in kittens.
- Public Support: He credits her for his emotional evolution from a "shock jock" to a more nuanced interviewer.
Summary of the Stern Marriage Status
To wrap this up, if you were looking for a "gotcha" moment or a secret separation, you won't find it here. Howard Stern is married to Beth Ostrosky Stern. They have been together for roughly 25 years and married for nearly 18.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you want to keep up with the couple's actual day-to-day life, skip the gossip rags. Follow Beth Stern on social media. That is where the real "unfiltered" Howard lives—usually in a robe, holding a cat named Yoda or Pebble, looking nothing like the guy who used to throw bologna at people in the 90s.
Keep an eye on his SiriusXM show for mentions of their "date nights," which usually involve staying in and watching The Bachelor. It’s a wild world, but Howard's marriage is surprisingly one of the most stable things in it.