Alison Berns is an American former media personality and reported mental health professional. She is best known as the first wife of radio host Howard Stern.
Alison and Howard met while studying at Boston University. They married in 1978 and had three daughters: Emily, Debra, and Ashley. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2001 after more than two decades together. Alison later married David Scott Simon and has mostly stayed away from public attention.
Alison Berns’ Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Alison Berns |
| Date of birth | May 26, 1954 |
| Age | 72 years old as of 2026 |
| Birthplace | Newton Centre, Massachusetts, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Boston University |
| Field of study | Social work |
| Profession | Reported clinical social worker and psychoanalyst |
| Known for | Being Howard Stern’s first wife |
| First husband | Howard Stern |
| Marriage to Howard | 1978–2001 |
| Second husband | David Scott Simon |
| Children | Emily Beth, Debra Jennifer, and Ashley Jade Stern |
| Net worth | Not reliably known |
How Old Is Alison Berns?
Alison Berns was reportedly born on May 26, 1954, in Newton Centre, Massachusetts.
Based on this date, she is 72 years old as of 2026.
Alison Berns’ Early Life
Alison reportedly grew up in Massachusetts in a culturally Jewish family.
One published account says her parents practiced Transcendental Meditation. Meditation would later become an interesting connection between Alison and Howard Stern when they met in college.
Reliable public information about Alison’s parents, siblings, and other parts of her childhood is limited.
Alison Berns’ Education
Alison attended Boston University.
She reportedly studied social work. It was during her time at the university that she met Howard Stern.
Howard was also studying at Boston University and was working on a student film connected with Transcendental Meditation. Alison took part in the project.
Their friendship developed into a romantic relationship.
Howard later wrote in his memoir Private Parts that he knew very early in their relationship that he wanted to marry Alison.
Alison Berns and Howard Stern’s Marriage
Alison Berns married Howard Stern on June 4, 1978.
Their wedding reportedly took place at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, Massachusetts.
At the time, Howard had not yet reached the level of fame he would later achieve through radio.
Alison remained with him as his broadcasting career grew during the 1980s and 1990s.
Their marriage lasted for more than 20 years.
Who Is Howard Stern?
Howard Stern is an American radio personality, author, and television personality.
He became widely known through The Howard Stern Show, which grew from a local radio program into a nationally syndicated show.
His style of radio made him one of the most recognizable and controversial figures in American broadcasting.
Howard also wrote successful books, including Private Parts. The book was later adapted into a 1997 film of the same name, with Howard playing himself.
Alison was married to Howard throughout much of the period when his career grew from local radio to national fame.
Alison Berns’ Appearances With Howard Stern
Alison did not build a large independent entertainment career, but she appeared in some projects connected with Howard.
She was occasionally featured or discussed on The Howard Stern Show. These appearances gave listeners some information about their marriage and family life.
She was also reportedly involved in Stern-related projects such as Negligee and Underpants and U.S. Open Sores.
Alison also appeared as herself in the 1997 film Private Parts.
Outside her connection with Howard’s work, she generally maintained a lower public profile.
Alison Berns’ Career
Alison studied social work at Boston University and has been described by published sources as a clinical social worker and psychoanalyst.
She reportedly continued working in the mental health field even during the years when Howard’s fame was growing.
However, detailed public information about her professional positions, employers, and current work is limited.
Her brief entertainment appearances were mainly connected with Howard rather than a separate acting career.
Alison Berns and Howard Stern’s Children
Alison and Howard have three daughters: Emily Beth Stern, Debra Jennifer Stern, and Ashley Jade Stern.
Emily Beth Stern
Emily Beth Stern was born in 1983.
She studied drama at New York University and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Emily briefly pursued acting before developing a stronger interest in religion and spirituality. She has studied Jewish spirituality and has been described as an ordained Mashpia, or Jewish spiritual director.
Emily has spoken publicly about growing up as Howard Stern’s daughter. She has also said she remains close to both of her parents.
Debra Jennifer Stern
Debra Jennifer Stern was born in 1986.
She has maintained a much more private life than her father.
Howard once mentioned that one of his daughters lived in San Francisco and worked in the school system there. Published profiles have connected this information with Debra.
Debra reportedly married Colin Christy, and they have a daughter.
Ashley Jade Stern
Ashley Jade Stern was born in 1993.
She was still a child when her parents separated and divorced.
Ashley has largely stayed away from social media and the entertainment industry. She did, however, attend some public events with her family when she was younger.
She was photographed at a screening of The Twilight Saga: New Moon in 2009 and has also attended New York Knicks games with her stepmother, Beth Stern.
Ashley married Adam Weinstein in June 2023.
Why Did Alison Berns and Howard Stern Divorce?
The exact reason for Alison and Howard’s divorce has not been publicly confirmed.
Their relationship faced changes as Howard’s career and public profile grew. Some reports have suggested that his strong focus on work and the nature of his radio career created difficulties in the marriage, but these explanations should not be treated as the single confirmed reason for their separation.
A detailed account places their separation in October 1999, although another source gives 2000.
Their divorce was finalized in 2001.
Howard has described the end of his marriage as very painful. He said he felt that he had failed Alison, their children, and his family.
He later said therapy helped him better understand his behavior and relationships.
Howard has also avoided sharing many private details about the divorce because Alison and their daughters were involved.
In a 2011 interview with Rolling Stone, he described Alison as a good person and spoke positively about the three children they raised together.
Did Alison Berns Receive $40 Million in the Divorce?
The amount Alison received in her divorce from Howard Stern has never been publicly confirmed.
A $40 million figure has been repeated online, but it came from speculation about what Alison might have been entitled to under New York divorce law.
Around the time of their separation, Howard was reported to have a net worth of approximately $80 million and annual earnings of about $20 million.
Reports also claimed that Alison and Howard did not have a prenuptial agreement.
However, the actual financial terms of their divorce remained private. There is no reliable evidence confirming that Alison received exactly $40 million.
Their Old Westbury Home
Howard and Alison reportedly purchased a large property at 2 Grace Drive in Old Westbury, New York, in November 1986.
One source reports that they paid approximately $702,000 for the property.
During the divorce process, Howard reportedly transferred his interest in the home to Alison.
She later sold the property in December 2003 for approximately $1.62 million, according to the supplied secondary source.
Who Is Alison Berns’ Husband Now?
Alison reportedly married David Scott Simon in 2001 after her divorce from Howard Stern.
David is a private person and there is limited reliable information about his career or personal background.
Some websites have incorrectly connected him with Simon Property Group. The supplied source specifically states that he is not associated with that company.
Alison’s second marriage has remained far more private than her marriage to Howard.
Where Is Alison Berns Now?
Alison largely stepped away from public attention following her divorce from Howard.
She has spent more than two decades maintaining a private life rather than seeking an entertainment career.
Alison and David reportedly purchased a home in Delray Beach, Florida, for approximately $1.54 million in 2015.
Her exact current residence and professional activities are not widely documented.
Alison Berns’ Net Worth
Alison Berns’ personal net worth is not reliably known.
Some online sources estimate her wealth at around $10 million, but there are no public financial records confirming this amount.
The widely repeated claim that she received $40 million from Howard Stern in their divorce is also unconfirmed.
For these reasons, neither figure should be treated as her verified net worth.
Is Alison Berns on Social Media?
Alison does not appear to maintain a major public social media presence.
Unlike Howard Stern and some members of their family, she has mostly stayed away from public attention since their divorce.
Any social media account claiming to represent her should be treated carefully unless its authenticity can be confirmed.
Facts About Alison Berns
- Alison Berns was reportedly born on May 26, 1954.
- She is from Newton Centre, Massachusetts.
- She attended Boston University.
- She reportedly studied social work.
- Alison met Howard Stern while they were college students.
- She participated in a student film Howard made about Transcendental Meditation.
- Alison and Howard married on June 4, 1978.
- Their wedding reportedly took place at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, Massachusetts.
- She was married to Howard during much of his rise to national fame.
- Alison occasionally appeared on The Howard Stern Show.
- She appeared as herself in Private Parts in 1997.
- Alison and Howard have three daughters.
- Their daughters are Emily Beth, Debra Jennifer, and Ashley Jade Stern.
- Alison and Howard separated around 1999.
- Their divorce was finalized in 2001.
- The exact reason for their divorce has not been publicly confirmed.
- The often-repeated $40 million divorce settlement figure is speculation, not a confirmed amount.
- Alison reportedly married David Scott Simon in 2001.
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