Howard Stern’s Family: A Complete Look

Howard Stern is a man of contradictions. He’s spent decades oversharing his life on-air, yet his family remains one of the most private aspects of his world.

He’s made a career out of pushing boundaries, yet in his personal life, there are some topics even he treads lightly on.

Fame gave him everything—power, influence, a $650 million fortune.

But did it also cost him the thing that matters most—his family?

This is the story of the people behind The King of All Media.

Howard Stern’s First Family: The Ones Who Knew Him Before the Fame

Before he was the most controversial voice in radio, Howard Stern was just a Queens-born, Long Island-raised kid with big dreams.

His parents, Ben and Ray Stern, were hardworking, no-nonsense people. They raised him with a mix of tough love and deep discipline—a parenting style that would later influence his work ethic.

Ben Stern: The Strict Father Who Shaped Howard

Howard’s father, Ben Stern, worked as a radio engineer at Manhattan’s WNBC. He wasn’t one for soft words or emotional conversations. He was direct, blunt, and demanding of excellence.

And Howard? He spent his childhood trying to impress him.

One of Howard’s most famous impressions on his show? His father’s voice, sternly telling him:

“Shut up! Sit down!”

It was both a joke and a glimpse into Howard’s deep-seated need for approval.

Ben passed away in 2022 at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy of discipline, structure, and an unspoken love that shaped Howard’s career.

Ray Stern: The Mother Who Balanced It Out

Howard’s mother, Ray Stern, was the softer side of the equation. A homemaker turned office worker, she supported Howard’s dreams, though she was also firm in her own way.

While his father pushed him, his mother listened. And even though Howard spent years mocking their old-school ways on-air, he’s admitted that he deeply loves and respects both of them.

Today, Ray Stern is 96 years old, and Howard continues to care for her privately, a rare side of him that the public doesn’t often see.

Howard Stern’s First Marriage: The Love That Didn’t Last

Long before he married a supermodel, Howard Stern was a devoted husband to Alison Berns, his college sweetheart.

They met at Boston University and married in 1978—long before Howard became a household name.

At first, it was a fairy-tale romance. Howard was still grinding his way up in the radio industry, and Alison stood by his side through it all.

Then, fame happened.

As Howard’s career skyrocketed, his marriage slowly crumbled. He became obsessed with work, dedicating every waking moment to his radio empire.

In 2001, after 23 years of marriage, the couple divorced.

Howard later admitted:

“I was an absentee husband. I thought working hard meant I was doing the right thing. I was wrong.”

The divorce was one of the hardest moments in his life. But for his daughters? It was even harder.

Howard Stern’s Daughters: The Private Side of His Life

Despite his unfiltered radio persona, Howard has always been protective of his three daughters:

• Emily Beth Stern (Born 1983)
• Deborah Jennifer Stern (Born 1986)
• Ashley Jade Stern (Born 1993)

While most celebrity kids embrace the limelight, Howard’s daughters have chosen privacy.

Emily Beth Stern: The Daughter Who Walked Away From Fame

Howard’s eldest daughter, Emily, could have had an easy ride into Hollywood or radio.

Instead, she chose a completely different life.

Emily embraced Orthodox Judaism, becoming deeply religious and even studying to become a rabbinic student. She’s also a musician, poet, and artist—expressing herself through spiritual creativity rather than media exposure.

She has spoken openly about the struggles of growing up as Howard Stern’s daughter, admitting that his controversial on-air persona wasn’t easy to deal with.

Their relationship has been strained at times, but in recent years, Howard has made efforts to reconnect.

Deborah & Ashley Stern: The More Private Ones

Unlike Emily, Howard’s younger daughters, Deborah and Ashley, have stayed completely out of the public eye.

Very little is known about their personal lives—which is exactly how they want it.

Howard, despite his openness about nearly everything, rarely talks about them. And that speaks volumes.

Howard Stern’s Second Marriage: Finding Love Again with Beth Ostrosky

After the heartbreak of his first marriage, Howard was convinced he would never remarry.

Then, in 2000, he met Beth Ostrosky, a model and actress 23 years younger than him.

They hit it off instantly. Unlike Alison, who had been with Howard before the fame, Beth knew exactly what she was signing up for.

They married in 2008, and to this day, Beth is Howard’s rock.

She has brought stability, love, and a newfound appreciation for life into his world. Together, they have dedicated themselves to animal rescue, adopting and fostering hundreds of cats.

Howard has called her:

“The best thing that ever happened to me.”

And it shows.

In his later years, he’s softer, more introspective, and more appreciative of love than ever before.

Final Thought: The Family Behind the King

Howard Stern made his career by speaking his mind.

But when it comes to his family, there’s a noticeable silence.

Why?

Because, despite all his fame and money, they are the one thing he can’t control.

He’s been the King of All Media, but when it comes to family, he’s just a man who made mistakes, learned from them, and is still trying to figure it all out.

And maybe, that’s the most relatable thing about him.

What’s Next for Howard Stern’s Family?

• Howard and Beth continue their animal rescue work and enjoy a quieter life.
• Emily Stern remains dedicated to spirituality and artistic expression.
• Deborah and Ashley Stern continue to live their private lives away from the media.
• Ray Stern, Howard’s mother, is still going strong at 96.

As for Howard?

He may have conquered radio.

But when it comes to his family, the journey is far from over.