Who Is Rishia Haas? Her Story as Mother, Recovery Worker, and Andrew Zimmern’s Ex-Wife
Rishia Haas is an American woman best known as the former wife of celebrity chef and TV host Andrew Zimmern. But her life goes far beyond her famous ex-husband. She is a caring mother, a helpful recovery worker, and now a peaceful beekeeper living in Minnesota. Her story shows us that strength does not always need to be loud. Sometimes, the quietest people leave the biggest mark on others.
Biography Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rishia Anne Haas |
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Champlin, Minnesota, USA |
| Age (2026) | 52 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | Anoka High School; Augsburg College, Minneapolis |
| Profession | Recovery Worker, Administrative Assistant, Beekeeper |
| Ex-Husband | Andrew Zimmern (married 2002–2018) |
| Son | Noah Zimmern (born 2005) |
| Current Residence | Edina, Minnesota, USA |
| Net Worth | Approximately $3 million |
| Known For | Being Andrew Zimmern’s ex-wife; work in addiction recovery |
Early Life and Family Background
Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota. She grew up in a loving and supportive family with her parents, Robert and Karen Haas. She has two siblings: a sister named Jennifer and a brother named John. Her family taught her the values of kindness, hard work, and helping others.
Champlin was a small, quiet town where Rishia enjoyed a peaceful childhood. Her parents always encouraged education and community service. These early lessons shaped who she became as an adult. She learned to be calm, caring, and thoughtful from a young age.
Education
Rishia attended Anoka High School in Minnesota. Teachers and classmates knew her as a polite and hardworking student. She was friendly and always ready to help others.
After high school, she went to Augsburg College in Minneapolis. There, she studied business and learned skills that would help her in her future career. Her education gave her a strong base for working in offices and helping people in need.
Career in Addiction Recovery
Rishia built a meaningful career helping people who struggled with addiction. She worked as an Admissions Coordinator at The Retreat, a recovery center in Wayzata, Minnesota. This place helps people overcome problems with alcohol and drugs.
Later, she joined the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation as an administrative assistant. This organization is one of the most respected addiction treatment centers in the United States. Through her work, Rishia helped many people find hope and start fresh lives. Her calm and caring nature made her perfect for this job.
How She Met Andrew Zimmern
Rishia and Andrew Zimmern met in 1999 at a cooking school in Minneapolis. Andrew was a cooking teacher at the school, and Rishia worked at the store connected to it. They met through their shared love of food and quickly became friends.
At that time, Andrew was rebuilding his life after years of struggling with addiction and homelessness. Rishia’s experience in recovery work helped her understand his journey. She never judged him for his past. Instead, she supported him with patience and kindness. Their friendship slowly turned into love.
Marriage and Family Life
Rishia and Andrew got married on December 26, 2002, in a small and private ceremony in Minneapolis. They invited only close family and friends. The wedding was simple and full of love, just like their relationship.
In 2005, they welcomed their son, Noah Zimmern. Rishia became a devoted mother who focused on giving Noah a stable and happy childhood. While Andrew traveled the world for his TV show Bizarre Foods, Rishia stayed home and took care of their family. She kept their home peaceful and made sure Noah felt safe and loved.
Life as a Celebrity’s Wife
Being married to a famous TV host was not easy. Andrew’s career grew quickly after Bizarre Foods started airing in 2006. He had to travel to many countries for filming. He was often away from home for weeks at a time.
Rishia never wanted to be famous herself. She stayed away from cameras and interviews. While fans loved Andrew, she worked quietly in the background. She kept the family together and gave Andrew emotional support during his busy career. Her steady presence helped him become successful.
The Divorce
After 16 years of marriage, Rishia and Andrew separated in 2018. The main reason was Andrew’s demanding travel schedule. He later admitted that he was not home enough for his wife and son.
Andrew publicly took responsibility for the problems in their marriage. He said his wife gave him “a thousand chances” to make things right. The divorce was difficult but peaceful. They handled it with respect and without public fighting. Both parents stayed focused on what was best for Noah.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Rishia chose to continue living a quiet life in Edina, Minnesota. She stayed close to her roots and focused on raising her son. She did not seek attention from the media or appear in interviews.
She also discovered a new passion: beekeeping. She joined the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, where she works with bees and learns about environmental conservation. This peaceful activity matches her calm personality. She spends her days caring for bees, gardening, and cooking at home.
Current Life and What She Does Today
Today, Rishia lives a simple and balanced life. She continues her beekeeping work and enjoys spending time in nature. She loves cooking, gardening, and being with her son.
Rishia and Andrew still co-parent Noah with respect and care. Andrew has called her “the bravest mom” he knows. Even though their marriage ended, they work together to give Noah a happy life. Rishia has not remarried and prefers to focus on her own well-being and family.
Net Worth
Rishia Haas has an estimated net worth of around $3 million. Her wealth comes from her years of work in healthcare and recovery services. She may have also received a settlement from her divorce.
Despite her comfortable financial situation, Rishia lives modestly. She does not chase luxury or fame. For her, real success means having peace, family, and a purposeful life.
Conclusion
Rishia Haas is much more than Andrew Zimmern’s ex-wife. She is a kind mother, a dedicated helper, and a peaceful nature lover. Her life shows that you do not need fame to make a difference. Through her quiet strength and caring heart, she has touched many lives. Today, she enjoys a simple life in Minnesota, focused on family, bees, and inner peace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas is an American woman known as the former wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. She worked in addiction recovery centers and now enjoys beekeeping in Minnesota.
2. When did Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern get married?
They got married on December 26, 2002, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their marriage lasted 16 years before they divorced in 2018.
3. Do Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern have children?
Yes, they have one son named Noah Zimmern. He was born in 2005. Both parents continue to co-parent him with love and respect.
4. Why did Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern divorce?
They divorced mainly because of Andrew’s busy travel schedule for his TV shows. He admitted he was not home enough for his family.
5. What does Rishia Haas do now?
Rishia works as a beekeeper at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. She lives a quiet life in Edina, Minnesota, focusing on family, nature, and personal well-being.
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