Matt Lauer and Annette Roque's Tumultuous Relationship Ends in Divorce

The former 'Today' host's marriage faced scrutiny and scandal over the years before their split.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Matt Lauer and his second wife, Annette Roque, were married for nearly 20 years before a sexual misconduct scandal ended his career at NBC in 2017. Their relationship faced challenges over the years, including a brief divorce filing in 2006 while Roque was pregnant with their third child. The couple eventually reconciled, but ultimately separated in the wake of Lauer's public scandal, finalizing their divorce in 2019.

Why it matters

Lauer's high-profile career and public downfall due to allegations of sexual misconduct shed light on the personal toll such scandals can take on families and relationships. The timeline of Lauer and Roque's marriage provides insight into how a celebrity couple navigated marital troubles and the impact of a major public scandal.

The details

Matt Lauer was first married to producer Nancy Alspaugh from 1982 to 1989. He then met Annette Roque on a blind date in 1997 and they wed in 1998. The couple had three children together - son Jack in 2001, daughter Romy in 2003, and son Thijs in 2006. In 2006, while pregnant with Thijs, Roque filed for divorce, accusing Lauer of "mental abuse." They reconciled shortly after. The marriage faced more scrutiny in 2010 when tabloids reported they were living separately, which both denied. Lauer's career came crashing down in 2017 when he was fired from NBC's 'Today' show over sexual misconduct allegations. Lauer and Roque quietly separated in the wake of the scandal, finalizing their divorce in 2019 with Roque receiving a reported $25 million settlement.

  • Matt Lauer married his first wife, Nancy Alspaugh, in 1982.
  • Lauer and Annette Roque met on a blind date in the summer of 1997.
  • Lauer and Roque married in October 1998.
  • The Lauers welcomed their first child, son Jack, in June 2001.
  • The Lauers welcomed their second child, daughter Romy, in October 2003.
  • Roque filed for divorce from Lauer in September 2006 while pregnant with their third child.
  • The Lauers welcomed their third child, son Thijs, in November 2006.
  • Lauer was fired from NBC's 'Today' show in November 2017 over sexual misconduct allegations.
  • Lauer and Roque finalized their divorce in 2019.

The players

Matt Lauer

A former co-host of NBC's 'Today' show who was fired in 2017 over sexual misconduct allegations, ending his high-profile media career.

Annette Roque

Lauer's second wife, whom he married in 1998. Roque filed for divorce from Lauer in 2006 while pregnant with their third child, but they later reconciled.

Nancy Alspaugh

Lauer's first wife, whom he was married to from 1982 to 1989.

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What they’re saying

“I called him to let him know that a reporter had shown up at my door and was saying that some things were going to be coming out. And when I called him, he thanked me for the call, and I got the contact of the reporter and he said of course none of it was true.”

— Nancy Alspaugh, Lauer's first wife

“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. As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind another at home and at NBC.”

— Matt Lauer

The takeaway

The downfall of Matt Lauer's high-profile media career due to sexual misconduct allegations underscores the personal and professional consequences that can result from such scandals. His tumultuous marriage to Annette Roque, including their brief divorce filing, highlights the strain these situations can place on families and relationships.