Stone Cold Steve Austin cemented his legacy as professional wrestling's ultimate anti-hero, stomping through the Attitude Era with beer cans smashing and middle fingers raised. Yet away from the noise of the squared circle, the man born Steven James Williams navigated a complex personal life marked by four distinct marriages. While internet rumor mills often scramble his history, the verified record shows a journey spanning high school sweethearts, influential wrestling valets, and a long-standing quiet retirement.
Understanding Austin's marital history requires looking past the denim-vested brawler persona to examine the four women who married the WWE Hall of Famer. From early struggles in regional promotions to his peaceful ranch life today, here is the complete, accurate story behind Stone Cold Steve Austin's marriages.
Kathryn Burrhus (1990–1992)
Long before the black Austin 3:16 shirts and global superstardom, Steve Austin was a college football player turned struggling professional wrestler in Texas. During these formative years, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Burrhus.
The couple tied the knot in November 1990 as Austin was grinding through the Texas independent wrestling circuit and early WCW developmental matches. However, the immense pressure of breaking into the brutal wrestling industry strained the relationship. The marriage ended in divorce in August 1992 after just two years. Unlike his later relationships, this first chapter remained completely out of the national media spotlight, concluding before Austin adopted his iconic moniker or achieved mainstream fame.
Jeanie Clarke (1992–1999)
Austin's second marriage proved pivotal not only to his personal life but to professional wrestling history. In December 1992, he married British-born wrestling valet Jeanie Clarke, widely known in the industry by her stage name, Lady Blossom.
During their marriage, Clarke played an instrumental role behind the scenes of Austin's career. Industry lore credits Clarke with inventing the legendary "Stone Cold" nickname after suggesting he drink his tea before it got cold while he was brainstorming edgy new personas in WCW. The couple had two daughters together, Stephanie and Loren, and Austin adopted Jade, Clarke's daughter from a previous relationship with wrestler Chris Adams.
Despite creative and professional triumphs, the grueling travel schedule and pressures of the wrestling business eroded their bond. Austin and Clarke separated in 1997 and finalized their divorce in 1999. Clarke later detailed their years together in her candid memoir, Through the Shattered Glass, shedding light on the intense psychological toll of life on the road during the Monday Night Wars.
Debra Marshall (2000–2003)
In September 2000, Austin married WWE Diva and manager Debra Marshall in Las Vegas. By this point, Austin was the undisputed face of the World Wrestling Federation, anchoring the most lucrative era in sports entertainment history.
Their high-profile relationship occasionally intersected with television storylines, but it was marred by severe private turbulence. In June 2002, a domestic dispute at their San Antonio home led to police intervention and Austin's arrest on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge. Austin pleaded no contest, receiving probation and community service. The legal fallout and personal strain fractured the relationship permanently, and the couple divorced in February 2003. Marshall stepped away from the wrestling industry entirely following the split, while Austin took a temporary hiatus from television to reevaluate his life.
Kristin Feres (2009–Present)
After years of turmoil and public scrutiny, Austin found lasting stability with his fourth wife, Kristin Feres. The couple married in a quiet, private ceremony in 2009.
Unlike his previous relationships, Austin and Kristin made a conscious choice to keep their marriage away from tabloid gossip and mainstream media circuses. Kristin has occasionally made appearances alongside Austin or been mentioned on his digital ventures, such as The Steve Austin Show, but she largely maintains a low profile. Now residing primarily between California and Austin's ranch in Nevada, the couple has enjoyed a stable partnership spanning well over a decade, representing the longest and most peaceful marriage of the wrestling icon's life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Stone Cold Steve Austin been married?
Steve Austin has been married four times. His previous wives are Kathryn Burrhus, Jeanie Clarke, and Debra Marshall, and he is currently married to Kristin Feres.
Did any of Steve Austin's wives work in professional wrestling?
Yes. Jeanie Clarke worked as a prominent wrestling valet under the name Lady Blossom, and Debra Marshall was a well-known WWE Diva and manager during the Attitude Era.
How many children does Steve Austin have?
Austin shares two biological daughters, Stephanie and Loren, with his second wife, Jeanie Clarke. He also legally adopted Jade, Clarke's daughter from a previous relationship.
When did Stone Cold marry Kristin Feres?
Austin married Kristin Feres in late 2009 during a private ceremony, and the couple has remained together since, largely avoiding the public spotlight.
