Coming to spread public awareness for the wrong reasons remains one of the most uncomfortable and difficult challenges, especially when one is not the direct culprit but becomes embroiled in the mess through a close relationship with the culprit. The same is true of the Dutch-Indonesian ex-model Annette Roque.
Although Annette was a media personality while contemplating her career as a model, she rose to public prominence after her husband, Matt Lauer, was caught in shameful allegations of sexual misconduct at his workplace. Meanwhile, Matt is an American television host, best known for being the co-host of the popular NBC show. Today for two decades (1997-2017).
Prior to this ugly incident that set up their union, Annette and Matt had been married for 19 years. But it must have been 19 years of perseverance and forbearance for the former, who filed for divorce 11 years ago. Learn more about Annette Roque, Matt Lauer’s ex-wife, in this article. from her early years to her relationship with Lauer, her children and other important facts.
Annette Roque Bio
Annette Roque was born in December 1966 in the Netherlands. She grew up on the outskirts of the Dutch capital Amsterdam.
As a young adult, Annette Roque left her home country for Paris to pursue a career as a model. She modeled under the professional name Jade Roque between the 80’s and 90’s. She later moved to New York where she continued her thriving career, appearing in numerous cosmetics commercials across Europe including J. Crew and Victoria’s Secrets. Roque also advertised for American cosmetics giant Revlon.
Married life with Matt Lauer
Annette Roque and Matt Lauer began dating after they met in July 1997. They first met on a blind date arranged by an acquaintance, Maria Santoro, an independent stylist. After meeting, the couple gradually developed love for each other and began dating. Five months into their relationship, Matt popped the big question to which Annette said yes. They were then married on October 3, 1998 at Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church on Long Island in Water Mill, NYC.
Annette Roque’s husband Matt Lauer has never been faithful to her. He regularly cheated on her and abused her. When Roque was carrying her third and last child in 2006, she filed for divorce, citing various inhumane treatments by Lauer. However, the application did not go through as the couple later settled out of court and the marriage continued.
Annette must have been through a lot in the 11 years that followed. That must be why she didn’t hesitate to banish Matt from her life for good after he finally faced sexual assault charges in late 2017, a development that cost him his job at NBC. The now-estranged couple began divorce proceedings in January 2018. According to sources, Lauer Roque has agreed to a $20 million settlement.
Their children
Annette Roque has three children, all with Matt Lauer. They are Jack, Romy and Thijs Lauer.
The eldest son Jack was born on June 26, 2001. As of 2019 he was a student. The second child and only daughter, Romy, was born on October 2, 2003 and is expected to be in junior high in 2019. She is also very eager to ride in her mother’s footsteps. The last child Thijs arrived on November 28, 2006.
Also Read: Nancy Putkoski Bio and Facts About Anthony Bourdain’s First Wife
Facts about Matt Lauer’s ex-wife
- Annette Roque was Matt Lauer’s second wife. He had previously married TV producer Nancy Alspaugh in 1982, but their union lasted only seven years. They divorced in 1989.
- Annette lived separately from her husband throughout their marriage. While Lauer lived in Manhattan where he worked, Roque lived in the Hamptons with the children.
- After her divorce, she took the bold step of sending her estranged husband out of their $36 million home in The Hamptons. He had to live in the facility’s guest house.
- Annette Roque and Matt Lauer both have a passion for horses and had a longtime dream in the field which they realized at Bright Side Farm.
- Roque was aware of the nature of her husband’s husband even before their marriage. The issue plagued them throughout the union and was ultimately the reason they eventually broke up.