Kathryn Burrhus: Steve Austin’s First Wife
Kathryn Burrhus is best known as the high school sweetheart and first wife of wrestling icon Steve Austin. Their relationship, which began in a small Texas town, stretched over a decade and played a vital part in Austin’s formative years. While her former husband ascended to global fame as “Stone Cold,” Kathryn chose a life away from the public spotlight, grounded in privacy, dignity, and grace.
Quick Facts: Kathryn Burrhus
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kathryn Burrhus |
| Known For | First wife of Stone Cold Steve Austin |
| Marriage Date | November 24, 1990 |
| Divorce Date | August 7, 1992 |
| Hometown | Edna, Texas |
| Children | None |
| Public Presence | Extremely private |
A Humble Beginning in Edna, Texas
Kathryn Burrhus grew up in Edna, Texas, a quiet and modest town where community mattered, and relationships were built on trust. Known for her quiet strength and composed nature, Kathryn’s upbringing reflected the traditional values of small-town America—hard work, humility, and kindness.
It was in this environment that she met Steven Anderson, a high school student who would later become Steve Austin. Their story started not under bright lights or fame but on familiar sidewalks and school grounds.
High School Romance with Steve Austin
Kathryn and Steve met in high school, and their relationship grew from friendship to a committed partnership. According to stories from that time, Steve joined the school’s tennis team—largely to be around Kathryn, who was already on the squad. This playful gesture turned into a serious romance.
As teenagers, their bond deepened. They navigated school events, exams, football games, and everyday life together. It was the kind of young love that felt natural—free from the distractions of fame and ambition.
College Years and Commitment
After high school, the couple took different academic paths. Kathryn went to Southwest Texas State University, concentrating on her studies. Steve earned a football scholarship at Wharton Junior College and later transferred to the University of North Texas.
Despite going to different colleges, they remained committed. Their relationship matured, growing stronger through long-distance calls, weekend visits, and shared dreams. Eventually, they moved in together—experiencing the transition from youthful romance to adult partnership.
A Private Wedding Before the Spotlight
On November 24, 1990, Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin got married in a small ceremony. Their union wasn’t accompanied by media coverage or public attention—it was quiet, heartfelt, and personal.
At that time, Steve hadn’t yet broken into wrestling. They lived like any other young couple—balancing jobs, bills, and the hopes of a shared future.
Wrestling’s Arrival and Shifting Priorities
After marriage, Steve enrolled in wrestling school and began training under Chris Adams. The world of wrestling demanded everything: long hours, physical toll, constant travel, and an unpredictable schedule.
Kathryn, while supportive, did not share Steve’s enthusiasm for this path. As his wrestling career accelerated, it slowly began to pull them apart.
In interviews, Austin later shared:
“We were happy for 10 years. Then I became really interested in wrestling, and Kathy did not like wrestling. That was the start of our problems.”
The tension wasn’t rooted in conflict—it was the natural divergence of two people whose dreams no longer aligned.
Divorce and a Graceful Exit
Kathryn and Steve completed their divorce on August 7, 1992. The separation was quiet, mutual, and without public controversy. While Steve Austin went on to become a global superstar in WWE, Kathryn stepped away from the public narrative entirely.
Unlike many who are connected to celebrities, Kathryn never gave interviews, never wrote a tell-all book, and never leveraged the relationship for media attention.
Her decision to walk away from fame with dignity speaks volumes about her character.
Life After Steve Austin
Since the divorce, Kathryn Burrhus has lived a quiet life. She has remained almost completely out of the public eye. No television appearances, no social media presence, and no public statements.
Some reports suggest she may still reside in Texas and focus on community and personal well-being, but her exact lifestyle remains respectfully undisclosed.
By avoiding the spotlight, Kathryn has become a rare example of someone choosing self-preservation over public curiosity.
An Unseen Influence
Although Kathryn Burrhus is no longer part of Steve Austin’s life, her influence during his formative years is undeniable.
She was there through high school, college, early jobs, and his very first steps into wrestling. Her emotional support and quiet presence gave Austin a level of stability that many young adults lack.
In this sense, she helped lay the foundation that made his later success possible—even if she wasn’t there to witness it from ringside.
What Her Story Teaches Us
1. Support Matters Before the Spotlight
Kathryn’s role in Steve’s life may not be widely recognized, but it was foundational. Emotional support, especially during one’s early years, is often the most powerful kind.
2. Strength Can Be Silent
She didn’t seek validation or attention. Her silence, in a culture that thrives on noise, is its own kind of strength.
3. Letting Go With Grace Is Powerful
Choosing to step away without bitterness shows a rare level of emotional maturity and self-respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kathryn Burrhus?
Kathryn Burrhus is the first wife of WWE star Steve Austin.
When did they marry?
They married on November 24, 1990.
When did they divorce?
The couple divorced on August 7, 1992.
Why did they separate?
Their lives diverged as Austin pursued wrestling and Kathryn preferred privacy.
What is Kathryn doing now?
She leads a private life, away from the public eye.
Final Reflections
Kathryn Burrhus isn’t a celebrity, but her story is quietly profound. She was part of the earliest and most intimate chapters of Steve Austin’s life—supporting him before the cameras, the championships, and the roar of the crowds.
Her story isn’t about wrestling—it’s about love, growth, and grace. It’s about choosing self-worth over spotlight, peace over publicity. And in a world that often rewards those who speak the loudest, Kathryn Burrhus reminds us of the quiet power of dignity.
