You remember the face. For two decades, Matt Lauer was the guy who woke up America, sipping coffee on the Today show set while interviewing presidents and movie stars. He was "America’s Dad." Then, in a matter of hours in 2017, the image shattered. While the headlines focused on his professional downfall at NBC, there was a much quieter, far more expensive drama playing out at home in the Hamptons.
Everyone wants to know: what happened to the wife?
Annette Roque, the Dutch model who stood by him through years of rumors, didn't just disappear. She didn't go on a press tour either. Honestly, she did something much more calculated. She waited. She negotiated. And then, she walked away with a life that looks nothing like the one she shared with the most powerful man in news.
The Breaking Point of a 20-Year Marriage
It’s easy to think the 2017 scandal was the start of the end for Matt Lauer and his wife. It wasn't. Not even close. If you look back at the court records, the cracks were there since at least 2006. That’s when Annette actually filed for divorce the first time. She cited "cruel and inhumane" treatment, claiming Matt was a "control freak" who controlled everything from the household budget to her own schedule.
But she withdrew it. Why? Rumor has it there was a "post-nup" involved—a massive financial incentive for her to stay and keep the "perfect family" image alive for the sake of his $25 million-a-year contract.
When the Brooke Nevils allegations broke and the "secret button" under his desk became national news, the game was up. There was no image left to protect. By 2019, the divorce was finalized, and the numbers were staggering.
- The Payout: Annette reportedly walked away with up to $20 million in cash.
- The Real Estate: She kept the family’s beloved horse farm in Water Mill.
- The Custody: They agreed to shared custody of their three kids, Jack, Romy, and Thijs.
Where is Annette Roque Now?
Annette has basically become a ghost in the celebrity world, and she seems to love it. She isn't chasing reality TV cameras or writing a "tell-all" book. Instead, she’s leaned into her life as an equestrian in the Hamptons. You might spot her at the Hampton Classic, but she’s there for the horses, not the paparazzi.
She’s maintained a strict "no comment" policy. Even when Ronan Farrow’s book Catch and Kill dropped more bombshells, her lawyer simply stated her priority was the children. It’s a masterclass in dignity, or maybe just a really good legal strategy. Either way, she has successfully decoupled her name from the "disgraced anchor" narrative.
Matt Lauer’s New Life and the "Other" Woman
Matt didn't stay single for long. By late 2019, he was spotted with Shamin Abas. She’s a high-end marketing executive and publicist who has worked with brands like Ferrari and Rolls-Royce. Interestingly, they had been friends for nearly twenty years before things turned romantic.
They live a very quiet, almost secluded life now. They split their time between a smaller home in the Hamptons and a massive farm in New Zealand.
Is a Comeback Happening?
Lately, there’s been chatter. Sources close to Lauer say he’s "restless." He’s 67 now, looking significantly different with a fully bald head and a more relaxed, "retired guy" wardrobe. He was even spotted at Don Lemon’s wedding in 2024, mingling with the media elite he once dominated.
But the industry hasn't exactly laid out the red carpet. While he’s reportedly "inching back into society," the bridge to mainstream TV seems pretty burnt. He’s spent the last few years reconnecting with old friends like Bryant Gumbel, but mostly, he’s just a wealthy guy with a lot of time on his hands.
The Reality of Co-Parenting
Despite the "hell" insiders say Annette went through, the two have managed to remain civil for their kids. They’ve been seen together at school events and graduations. It’s "all business," as one source put it.
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The kids are older now. Jack is in his mid-20s, and the youngest, Thijs, is finishing up his teens. They’ve grown up in the shadow of one of the biggest media collapses in history, but by all accounts, both parents have fought to keep them out of the line of fire.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Annette was a "victim" who got blindsided. But if you talk to anyone in the Hamptons social circuit, they’ll tell you she knew exactly who he was for a long time. She stayed because of a complicated mix of family stability and, frankly, a very lucrative financial arrangement.
She didn't "lose" in the divorce. She got the farm, she got the kids, and she got her name back.
Actionable Insights for Navigating High-Stakes Transitions
While most of us aren't dealing with $20 million settlements, the way this split was handled offers some real-world lessons:
- Silence is Power: Annette’s refusal to engage in the media circus preserved her reputation and likely protected her settlement.
- Prioritize the Exit Strategy: The 2006 post-nup, while controversial, ensured Annette was protected when the final crash happened.
- Redefine Your Circle: Both Matt and Annette drastically changed their social groups post-2017. Sometimes, moving forward requires leaving the "old life" behind entirely.
The story of Matt Lauer and his wife isn't just a gossip column staple. It’s a case study in how a long-term, high-profile marriage survives—and eventually dissolves—under the weight of secrets that everyone, eventually, finds out about.