Kathryn Burrhus is best known as the first wife of professional wrestling legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
While her name frequently appears in biographies of the WWE Hall of Famer, she has maintained a life of strict privacy following their split in the early 1990s.
Unlike many former spouses of celebrities who seek the spotlight, Burrhus has never given public interviews or appeared on reality television.
She represents a pre-fame chapter in Steve Austin’s life, dating back to his formative years in Texas before he became the “Texas Rattlesnake” who defined the Attitude Era of wrestling.
QUICK BIO
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Kathryn Burrhus |
| Date of Birth | August 29, 1952 (Unverified; widely reported in media) |
| Age | Approx. 71–72 years |
| Birthplace | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Private Citizen (Former spouse of public figure) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Former Spouse | Steve Austin (m. Nov 24, 1990 – div. Aug 7, 1992) |
| Children | None with Steve Austin |
| Education | Edna High School; Southwest Texas University (Reported) |
| Net Worth | $200,000 |
| Hometown | Austin, Texas |
Early Life
Born in Texas, Kathryn Burrhus grew up in a supportive, middle-class environment. While exact details of her childhood remain private, it is confirmed that she attended Edna High School in Edna, Texas.
Education
It was during these high school years that she met a young Steve Williams (later Austin). Reports suggest she was a few years ahead of him academically.
Austin was a freshman when she was a junior, but their shared interests in sports and local social circles brought them together.
After graduating from high school, Burrhus pursued higher education, reportedly attending Southwest Texas University.
During this time, she maintained her relationship with Austin, who was attending Wharton County Junior College on a football scholarship.
Relationship with Steve Austin
The romance between Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin was a classic tale of high school sweethearts. They began dating in their teens, bonding over their Texan roots and shared ambitions.
In his 2001 memoir, The Stone Cold Truth, Austin described falling for Burrhus quickly, admiring her intelligence and beauty.
He noted that he initially felt she was “out of his league,” but he eventually won her over after they connected on the tennis courts.
Marriage and Support
On November 24, 1990, the couple formalized their long-term relationship by getting married.
At this stage, Austin was still wrestling under his birth name, Steve Williams, and was struggling to make a name for himself in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) and later World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
During these early, lean years, Burrhus was a pillar of stability. She supported Austin’s dreams of becoming a professional athlete, often standing by him as he traveled long distances for little pay.
Their marriage represented a period of normalcy before the chaotic lifestyle of professional wrestling fully took over.
The Divorce
The marriage between Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin was short-lived, lasting less than two years. They officially divorced on August 7, 1992.
The primary catalyst for their separation was the intense pressure of the wrestling business. As Austin’s career began to gain traction in WCW, the demands of the road kept him away from home for extended periods.
The grueling travel schedule and the lifestyle of a professional wrestler created an insurmountable distance between the couple.
End of a Chapter
Furthermore, Austin’s developing relationship with his valet and manager, Jeanie Clarke (known professionally as “Lady Blossom”), contributed significantly to the marital breakdown.
Austin and Clarke eventually married later in 1992, shortly after his divorce from Burrhus was finalized.
The divorce was reportedly annulled in some legal contexts, allowing both parties to move on quickly, though the emotional weight of ending a high-school romance was significant.
Life After Steve Austin
Since her divorce in 1992, Kathryn Burrhus has successfully receded from the public eye. She has not remarried a public figure, nor has she sought to capitalize on her connection to one of the most famous men in sports entertainment.
Privacy and Seclusion
In an era where social media makes privacy difficult to maintain, Burrhus is a notable exception. She does not have public social media profiles on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
There are no verified reports regarding her current career, residence, or family status (such as remarriage or children).
This deliberate choice for privacy suggests a desire to be defined by her own life rather than her brief marriage to a celebrity.
While fans remain curious about her, she has offered no updates, allowing her legacy to remain frozen in time as the supportive first wife of a future superstar.
Public Perception and Legacy
To wrestling historians and fans, Kathryn Burrhus is viewed with respect.
She is often characterized as the loyal partner who was there “before the money,” supporting Austin when he was still an unknown rookie driving between small towns for meager payoffs.
Her absence from the tabloid circuit has only deepened this respect. By refusing to sell her story or speak negatively about her ex-husband, she has maintained a dignified silence for over three decades.
Net Worth and Career
There is no verifiable information regarding Kathryn Burrhus’s current net worth. Various online sources speculate figures ranging from $200,000 to over $1 million, often citing divorce settlements, but these claims are unsubstantiated.
Similarly, her professional career remains unknown. Given her educational background, it is assumed she pursued a private career in Texas, but no specific industry or role has ever been confirmed by reliable sources.
FINAL THOUGHT
While their marriage was a casualty of the wrestling business, her influence on his formative years cannot be erased.
Today, she stands as a symbol of privacy and dignity, a woman who lived a quiet life despite her proximity to global fame.
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
