Annette Roque is a Dutch former fashion model who became famous in the 1980s and 1990s. Many people know her as the ex-wife of Matt Lauer, the former host of NBC’s Today show. But Annette is much more than just a celebrity spouse. She built a successful modeling career, raised three children, and now runs a horse farm in the Hamptons. Today, she lives a quiet and private life away from the spotlight.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Annette Lanciflue Roque |
| Professional Name | Jade Roque |
| Date of Birth | December 6, 1966 |
| Place of Birth | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Ethnicity | Dutch and Indonesian |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Profession | Former Model, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Modeling career, Ex-wife of Matt Lauer |
| Children | Jack (born 2001), Romy (born 2003), Thijs (born 2006) |
| Ex-Husband | Matt Lauer (married 1998, divorced 2019) |
| Current Business | Owner of Bright Side Farm, Hamptons |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20–25 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Annette Roque was born on December 6, 1966, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She grew up in a multicultural family. Her mother, Johanna Struijk, was Dutch, and her father, Henri Roque, was Indonesian. This mixed heritage gave Annette her unique and beautiful appearance.
Growing up in Amsterdam, Annette developed a strong interest in fashion and style from a young age. Her family supported her dreams, and this helped her build confidence. She had a close relationship with her parents and siblings. Her multicultural background later helped her connect with people from different countries during her modeling career.
Modeling Career
Annette Roque started her modeling journey in the late 1980s when she was in her early twenties. At age 22, she left Amsterdam and moved to Paris to follow her dream. In Paris, she met French modeling agent Patrick Lemire, who helped start her professional career. She used the stage name “Jade” in the fashion industry.
Her exotic looks and elegant style quickly made her popular in Europe. She appeared in many cosmetic advertisements and fashion campaigns. Later, she moved to New York and worked with famous brands like Victoria’s Secret, J. Crew, and Saks Fifth Avenue. She also became a spokesmodel for Revlon cosmetics. Annette worked alongside supermodels like Stephanie Seymour and Yasmeen Ghauri during the peak of her career. By the mid-1990s, she was one of the most recognized faces in fashion advertising.
Marriage to Matt Lauer
Annette Roque met Matt Lauer on a blind date in July 1997. At that time, Lauer was becoming a well-known television journalist at NBC. The two quickly fell in love, and after just five months of dating, Matt proposed to her. They got married on October 3, 1998, in Bridgehampton, New York.
Their marriage lasted for about 20 years, but it was not always smooth. Annette first filed for divorce in 2006, claiming that Matt’s behavior caused her stress and unhappiness. She said he was controlling and often put his career before their family. However, she withdrew the divorce papers after a few weeks, and they stayed together. In November 2017, Matt Lauer was fired from NBC after accusations of workplace misconduct. This time, Annette decided to end the marriage for good. She filed for divorce in July 2019, and it was finalized in September 2019.
Her Three Children
Annette and Matt Lauer have three children together. Their first child, Jack Matthew Lauer, was born in June 2001. Their daughter, Romy Lauer, was born in October 2003. Their youngest son, Thijs Lauer, was born in November 2006. The name “Thijs” is a common Dutch name, short for Matthijs, which honors both Annette’s Dutch heritage and Matt’s first name.
After the divorce, both parents focused on raising their children well. Reports say that Matt and Annette have a friendly relationship when it comes to co-parenting. Their daughter Romy is passionate about horse riding and has competed in equestrian events. She attended the University of Miami for her studies. Their son Thijs attended boarding school in Switzerland before going to Boston College. Despite the public attention on their parents’ divorce, the children have mostly stayed out of the spotlight.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Matt Lauer, Annette Roque chose to live a quiet and private life. She received about $20 million in the divorce settlement. This amount included money and property, such as their horse farm in the Hamptons called Bright Side Farm.
Today, Annette spends most of her time managing Bright Side Farm. This 40-acre equestrian facility in Water Mill, New York, is her passion project. She has always loved horses, and now she can combine her love for animals with her business skills. Annette rarely appears in public or talks to the media. She prefers to focus on her children, her horses, and her personal peace. In April 2025, she attended the New York Academy of Art’s Tribeca Ball, one of her rare public appearances.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Annette Roque has built a comfortable financial life through her modeling career, smart investments, and divorce settlement. Her estimated net worth is around $20 to $25 million. Most of her wealth comes from her successful years as a model and the money she received in her divorce.
Her main business now is Bright Side Farm, which she has owned since 2013. The farm trains horses and hosts equestrian activities. Running a horse farm in the Hamptons is expensive, but Annette’s business skills help her manage it well. She does not seek fame or public attention for her work. Instead, she enjoys a stable and peaceful lifestyle focused on her family and her horses.
Conclusion
Annette Roque is a woman who has lived many different roles in her life. She was a successful fashion model in the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in campaigns for Victoria’s Secret and Revlon. She was a wife and mother for over two decades. And now, she is a businesswoman running a horse farm in the Hamptons. Through fame, scandal, and divorce, Annette has shown quiet strength and dignity. She chooses peace over publicity and family over fame. Her story reminds us that true success is not about being in the spotlight but about building a life that makes you happy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Annette Roque?
Annette Roque is a Dutch former fashion model born in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She worked as a model in the 1980s and 1990s under the professional name “Jade.” She is also known as the ex-wife of Matt Lauer, the former host of NBC’s Today show. Today, she owns and manages a horse farm in the Hamptons.
2. How many children does Annette Roque have?
Annette Roque has three children with her ex-husband Matt Lauer. Their names are Jack (born 2001), Romy (born 2003), and Thijs (born 2006). All three children have mostly stayed away from public attention.
3. When did Annette Roque and Matt Lauer get divorced?
Annette Roque filed for divorce in July 2019, and it was finalized in September 2019. The couple had been separated since late 2017 after Matt Lauer was fired from NBC due to workplace misconduct accusations.
4. What is Annette Roque’s net worth?
Annette Roque’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 to $25 million. This comes from her modeling career, investments, and the divorce settlement she received from Matt Lauer.
5. What does Annette Roque do now?
Annette Roque now lives a quiet life in the Hamptons, New York. She owns and manages Bright Side Farm, a 40-acre horse farm in Water Mill. She focuses on her equestrian interests, her children, and staying out of the public spotlight.
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