Who Is Annette Roque? 9 Facts About Matt Lauer's Wife
Matt Lauer has had to answer to many people after being fired from The Today Show over allegations of "inappropriate sexual behavior" with multiple women.
On Thursday, the former news anchor apologized in a statement that read in part, "There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry."
But perhaps one of the women deeply affected by Lauer's actions is his wife of 19 years, Annette Roque. Here are a few facts about her.
1. She is Dutch.
Roque was born in Amsterdam in December 1966 to a Dutch mother and Indonesian father. According to People, she left the Netherlands for Paris at age 22 in 1982 to pursue her dreams of a modeling career.
2. She worked as a fashion model.
A French modeling agent gave Roque her big break because of what he called her "perfect exotic looks," People reports. At the time, she was known by her stage name "Jade." According to Newsweek, she modeled for Victoria's Secret and J. Crew.
3. She met Lauer on a blind date.
According to Business Insider, Roque was set up on a blind date with Lauer in 1997. "They had a drink, he got her number, and that was it," a friend of the couple told People in 1998. "There was definitely a connection."
In 1998, Lauer told The Palm Beach Post that he was not head over heels from the moment he saw Roque. "It was one of those slow-developing things," he said. "I don't think I kissed her for two months."
4. She and Lauer were married in 1998.
The couple got married in Bridgehampton, New York, on October 3, 1998, in a small wedding of only 100 guests, People reports. "They wanted to keep it intimate," wedding coordinator Elizabeth Allen said.
5. She is Lauer's second wife.
Lauer was married to television producer and writer Nancy Alspaugh from 1981 to 1988. While the couple gave no public reason for the split, Alspaugh said in a 2005 interview, "The reason my marriage to Matt ended was not because of infidelity on his part," Entertainment Tonight reports.
6. Roque and Lauer have three children together.
Jack Matthew Lauer, 16, Romy Lauer, 14, and Thijs Lauer, 11.
In an interview with Parenting.com, Lauer explained his family's unique living situation.
"We made a decision a couple of years ago to move out of the city," he said. "So my home is in the Hamptons and that's where our kids go to school. As a result, I'm in [New York] city three or four nights a week, and I'm home on weekends. I go for school events-I do get out there for those. Because of this decision we made-and wanted to make for them-my time is consolidated into three intense days."
7. Lauer made it known they had different interests.
According to ATC.com, Lauer said he wished his wife enjoyed more of the same hobbies like golf. "She hits the ball great, but it hasn't sparked any interest in her," he said. "The passion's not there yet. But now she's asked for another lesson. So maybe. It would be nice to plan a vacation where it's not me playing in the day and she's doing something else. To go out and play together, I'd love that."
8. She reportedly filed for divorce in 2006, but eventually withdrew the papers.
Court documents obtained by The National Enquirer state Roque claimed Lauer caused her "mental abuse, extreme mental and emotional distress, humiliation, torment, and anxiety." She reportedly withdrew the lawsuit three weeks after filing, and was pregnant with the couple's third child at the time, according to Business Insider.
9. Over the years, it was widely reported that Lauer cheated on his wife.
"He regularly cheated on his wife," an unnamed source told People. "Everyone knew. His wife lives in the Hamptons and he lives in the city, but we never heard he made unwanted moves."
"Everyone on staff knew he cheated regularly on his wife," a second unnamed source confirmed.
In a separate 2010 People article, Lauer denied that he and his wife were having marital problems. "I am living in my apartment with Annette and my children as a family and a couple," Lauer told People. "I have never moved out. I am not moving out. There is no truth to that."
Roque has not issued a statement regarding the allegations of sexual harassment made against Lauer.
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