Susan Waren is best known as the former wife of Joe Scarborough, the television host and former U.S. Congressman. While their marriage in October 2001 and subsequent divorce in 2013 placed her in the public eye, her story extends far beyond that connection. During their marriage, she built a career in public service, working with organizations like the Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation. Following the divorce settlement, which included a lump sum of $30,000 and monthly payments of around $25,000, she has maintained her independence with an estimated net worth ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.
Who Is Susan Waren? Early Life and Background
Susan Waren Age and Personal Details
Public records about Susan Waren’s birth date present conflicting information. One source indicates she was born in December 1968, while others suggest either 1969 or 1970. This uncertainty reflects her lifelong commitment to keeping personal details away from media scrutiny. Her exact birth date has never been publicly disclosed.
Based on the timeline of significant life events, estimates place her age somewhere in the late 50s or early 60s. If the 1968 birth year proves accurate, she would be 57 years old. The calculation aligns with her role as a mother in the early 2000s and her established career before marriage. Her refusal to confirm basic biographical information reinforces her belief that public attention should not extend into personal life.
Growing Up: Family and Education
Details about Susan Waren’s childhood remain largely unknown. She grew up in the United States, though specific information about her birthplace, parents, or childhood environment has never entered public records. This absence stems from decades of intentional privacy protection rather than lack of documentation.
Based on social circles and career trajectory, she likely came from a middle-to-upper-class American family where values like education, humility, and discretion held importance. These early principles shaped her adult preference for staying out of the spotlight, even when married to a public figure. Her childhood during the 1970s and 1980s appears to have instilled values around privacy, community service, and meaningful impact.
Educational records remain equally private. Though specific schools and universities attended have not been disclosed, her professional achievements suggest strong academic preparation. Reports indicate she may have studied communications or political science, fields that directly supported her later career path. Her knowledge of government operations and policy demonstrates the foundation her education provided.
Early Career in Public Service
Before gaining recognition through marriage, Susan Waren built a career demonstrating both intellect and commitment to civic engagement. She worked as a staff assistant for the Florida House of Representatives, handling community and policy initiatives that required organizational skill and political understanding. The position demanded discretion and focus on serving others, attributes that would define her professional identity.
Her career also included work as a congressional committee staffer. This role placed her in Washington, D.C., dealing with federal legislative matters. Congressional staffers research issues, draft legislation, coordinate hearings, and help elected officials make informed decisions. The position requires intelligence, dedication, and ability to work under pressure. Susan excelled in this demanding environment, building a reputation for professionalism.
During this period, she also served as an aide in the Florida Governor’s office. This position placed her at the heart of state politics, involving various aspects of governance, policy development, and public service initiatives. The role gave her firsthand experience with state-level government operations and allowed meaningful contributions to Florida’s political landscape. Her work in public service not only provided insight into governance but also deepened her interest in projects that directly improve people’s lives.
Susan Waren and Joe Scarborough: Marriage and Family Life
Meeting Joe Scarborough
The relationship between Susan Waren and Joe Scarborough began in the late 1990s through political circles where both worked. At that time, Joe served as a Republican congressman from Florida’s 1st district, while Susan held political roles in Florida and Washington, D.C.. Some reports suggest they met at a charity event, while others point to a political gathering. Regardless of the exact circumstances, their shared interest in politics and public policy created immediate common ground.
Their connection deepened through mutual values. Both demonstrated commitment to public service, held conservative political views, and shared strong Florida ties. Joe’s prominence in Republican politics during this period coincided with Susan’s established career in government work. The relationship developed naturally between two professionals who understood the demands and rewards of public service.
Marriage in 2001
Susan Waren and Joe Scarborough married in October 2001. The wedding reflected Susan’s personality, a private ceremony attended only by close friends and family members. Joe had already left Congress earlier that year and was transitioning into media work. The timing marked a significant shift for both, as Joe moved from elected office toward television while Susan prepared to support that career change.
During their 12-year marriage, Susan made a deliberate choice to remain behind the scenes. As Joe built his television career and eventually secured the hosting position on ‘Morning Joe’ at MSNBC, Susan focused on charitable work and family. She could have easily stepped into the spotlight given her husband’s increasing visibility. Instead, she maintained her privacy, attended public events only when necessary, and continued her own professional contributions. This decision demonstrated her strong sense of self and refusal to define her identity solely through her husband’s fame.
Life as a Mother: Raising Katherine and Jack
Susan and Joe welcomed two children during their marriage. Their daughter, Katherine Clark Scarborough, was born in August 2003. Katherine, now in her early twenties, has developed interests in music and the arts. She attended college and pursues her own path away from public attention, valuing privacy much like her mother.
Their son Jack arrived in May 2008. Jack faces unique challenges, having been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, now categorized under Autism Spectrum Disorder. Joe spoke publicly about this diagnosis in 2020 to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Susan has been instrumental in ensuring Jack receives appropriate support, education, and care. Her dedication to creating an environment where Jack can thrive demonstrates her strength as a mother and her commitment to putting children’s needs first.
Susan served as the primary caregiver, providing structure and nurturing despite Joe’s demanding professional schedule. She emphasized raising both children with values including humility, compassion, and awareness about the world around them. After the divorce, she secured joint custody, though the children spend considerable time with her.
Role as Stepmother in a Blended Family
Beyond her biological children, Susan also became stepmother to Joe’s two sons from his first marriage, Andrew and Joey Scarborough[73]. This role required patience, understanding, and emotional balance as she integrated into a blended family structure. While details of these relationships remain private, those familiar with the family indicate Susan treated all children with kindness and care. Managing both biological children and stepchildren for over a decade added depth to her family responsibilities and shaped her as both parent and caretaker.
Career Path and Professional Contributions
Work with Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation
Beyond her earlier government positions, Susan Waren found meaningful work through the Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation. This role became one of her most notable professional contributions. The foundation focuses on preserving the historical and cultural heritage of Florida’s Governor’s Mansion, a mission that aligned with her values around community service and cultural preservation.
Her work there involved multiple dimensions. She supported initiatives related to educational programming, civic awareness, and historic restoration. The position required fundraising skills, event planning abilities, and genuine passion for the cause. Projects centered on restoring and preserving historic buildings, reflecting her appreciation for culture and heritage. She participated in civic planning while supporting charitable causes, making behind-the-scenes contributions that demonstrated sincere commitment to community service.
The foundation’s focus on maintaining important cultural landmarks gave Susan opportunities to apply her organizational expertise and political understanding. Her contributions often went unnoticed in media coverage because she preferred working quietly and directly rather than through publicity campaigns.
Involvement with National Governors Association
Susan Waren also contributed to the National Governors Association, an American political organization founded in 1908 whose members include governors of the 50 states and federal territories. At the NGA, she focused on educational initiatives and charitable projects, helping to bridge the gap between local governance and community impact.
This experience provided broader perspective on leadership, cooperation, and civic engagement. The association serves as a public policy liaison between state governments and federal entities, offering governors services ranging from Capitol Hill representation to policy reports on state programs. Susan’s involvement strengthened her conviction that meaningful success stems from tangible contributions rather than recognition.
Philanthropic Work and Community Service
Susan Waren’s philanthropic legacy extends across multiple areas, particularly education, social welfare, and community support. She supported programs helping rural children, families, and small communities, believing every child deserves fair opportunities to learn and grow. Her work touched many lives through projects focused on children’s welfare and community development.
Coupled with her foundation roles, she contributed to causes involving educational and cultural initiatives that benefit the public. Her approach remained consistent throughout: thoughtful action rather than public display. Even during her marriage to Joe Scarborough, she never used his fame to gain attention for charitable work. This philosophy demonstrates her belief that making a difference requires genuine intention and compassion, not spotlights or media campaigns. Her professional identity centers on meaningful work over public praise, contribution over celebrity.
The Divorce and Life After Separation
The 2013 Divorce Settlement
After more than eleven years together, Joe Scarborough filed divorce papers in Connecticut in September 2012. The couple kept the proceedings remarkably quiet, with court records revealing the former congressman’s filing came just shy of their October wedding anniversary. The legal process moved efficiently, wrapping up by January 2013 when the divorce became final.
Financial details emerged through court documents that revealed Joe’s MSNBC salary at $99,038 per week. The settlement reflected both his television success and commitment to supporting Susan and their children. Joe provided Susan with a lump sum payment of $150,000. Beyond that initial amount, he agreed to pay $30,000 monthly for five years, followed by $25,000 monthly for two additional years. He also covered the mortgage on their Connecticut home and all educational expenses for Katherine and Jack[142]. The alimony alone totaled approximately $2.4 million over seven years, not including the one-time payment, property settlement, and children’s costs.
Both parties shared joint legal custody of their children. During the transition period, they continued living together in the Connecticut home with specific house rules: neither could enter the other’s bedroom except for child-related emergencies, and after 7 PM each was restricted to their own side of the residence.
Choosing Privacy Over Public Attention
The couple released a joint statement asking for privacy for their young children. Their words acknowledged mutual respect: “Joe has always been a devoted and committed husband and father and Susan has been a wonderful mother and trusted wife. We are still close friends and will always be family”[123]. Joe addressed the matter briefly on Morning Joe, requesting viewers respect his family’s privacy without discussing specific reasons or criticizing Susan. True to her character, Susan made no public statement at all.
Following the separation, Susan withdrew even further from view. She has maintained no social media presence on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or any other platform. This choice remains increasingly rare in contemporary culture and demonstrates genuine commitment to staying beyond media reach. She avoided public events and continued life in a calm, private setting, likely in the southeastern United States[142].
Financial Independence and Personal Growth
The divorce settlement provided Susan with financial security that enabled independent living without seeking additional public roles. Her estimated net worth ranges from $500,000 to $1 million. This figure stems from past career earnings, the substantial divorce settlement, and likely investment returns from wisely managed assets. The alimony payments concluded in 2020 after the seven-year term ended.
Rather than allow divorce to define her, Susan used the transition as an opportunity for personal growth and reinvention. She demonstrated independence by building her own identity separate from the marriage. Her financial management appears aligned with her personality: quiet, responsible, and focused on stability rather than luxury or public display.
Co-Parenting After Divorce
Despite their separation, Susan and Joe maintained a cooperative relationship centered on family stability[144]. Susan retained primary physical custody of the children, particularly important given Jack’s special needs. Joe remained actively involved through regular visitation despite his demanding television schedule. Both parents attended important events in Katherine and Jack’s lives, including school functions and special occasions. They managed to set aside personal differences and present a united front for their children. Their mature approach protected Katherine and Jack from unnecessary media scrutiny and showed commitment to handling the situation with dignity.
Susan Waren’s Independence and Current Life
Building Her Own Identity Beyond Marriage
Following her divorce, Susan Waren used the separation as an opportunity for personal growth and reinvention. She demonstrated independence by building her own identity beyond the boundaries of her marriage. Her approach reflected emotional maturity and inner strength. Unlike many who seek media attention or public reinvention, she chose a quieter path defined by authenticity and stability. She balanced single motherhood, personal growth, and professional pursuits without relying on fame or external validation.
Current Activities and Where She Lives Now
As of 2025, Susan Waren continues living a peaceful and private life focused on her children and close family. She resides somewhere in the southeastern United States, possibly Florida. She maintains no social media presence and rarely appears in public. She has not been romantically linked to anyone since her divorce. Her continued absence from media deepens the respect people feel for her choices and lifestyle.
Her Relationship with Her Children Today
Family remains central to Susan’s life. She shares a close and loving relationship with both Katherine and Jack. She devotes her time and energy to ensuring they grow up with strong moral values, solid education, and emotional foundation. As a mother, she teaches by example, modeling kindness, humility, and perseverance.
Creative Pursuits and Writing Projects
Susan Waren is also a creative thinker and writer. She worked on several personal projects, including a blog called “SouthXNortheast” centered on lifestyle, motherhood, and charitable giving. Her writing style combines elegance with empathy, focusing on themes of purpose, personal growth, and gratitude. She hasn’t updated the blog since 2015.
Conclusion
Susan Waren’s story demonstrates that strength doesn’t require public attention. Throughout her marriage and beyond, she built a meaningful career in public service, raised two children with dedication, and maintained unwavering commitment to privacy. Her work with the Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation and various charitable initiatives reflects genuine dedication to community impact rather than recognition.
Following her 2013 divorce, she secured financial independence and created a stable life centered on family values. Without doubt, her journey shows that personal success stems from authentic choices rather than public validation. Susan continues living on her own terms, proving that true independence means defining yourself by your values, not your connections.
Also Read: Nada Stepovich
FAQs
Q1. What was included in Susan Waren’s divorce settlement from Joe Scarborough?Â
The divorce settlement included a lump sum payment of $150,000, monthly payments of $30,000 for five years followed by $25,000 monthly for two additional years, mortgage coverage for their Connecticut home, and full coverage of all educational expenses for their children Katherine and Jack. The alimony payments totaled approximately $2.4 million over seven years.
Q2. How many children does Susan Waren have and what are their names?Â
Susan Waren has two biological children with Joe Scarborough: daughter Katherine Clark Scarborough, born in August 2003, and son Jack, born in May 2008. She also served as stepmother to Joe’s two sons from his first marriage, Andrew and Joey Scarborough.
Q3. What kind of work did Susan Waren do before and during her marriage?Â
Susan Waren built a career in public service, working as a staff assistant for the Florida House of Representatives, a congressional committee staffer in Washington D.C., and an aide in the Florida Governor’s office. She also worked with the Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation on historic preservation and educational programming, and contributed to the National Governors Association’s educational initiatives.
Q4. Does Susan Waren have any social media presence?Â
No, Susan Waren maintains no social media presence on any platform including Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. She has consistently chosen to stay out of the public eye and maintain her privacy, a decision that has remained unchanged since her divorce in 2013.
Q5. What is Susan Waren’s estimated net worth?Â
Susan Waren’s estimated net worth ranges from $500,000 to $1 million. This comes from her past career earnings in public service, the substantial divorce settlement she received, and likely returns from wisely managed investments.