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The Untold Story Of Bob Ross's Three Wives: Happy Marriages And The Unhappy Legal Battle For His Legacy

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Few figures in television history are as universally beloved as Bob Ross, the gentle, soft-spoken host of The Joy of Painting. His iconic perm, calming voice, and philosophy of "happy little trees" made him a cultural icon whose influence continues to resonate today, as of late 2025. While millions tuned in to watch him paint, the details of his personal life, particularly his three marriages, remain a source of deep curiosity for fans seeking to understand the man behind the canvas. His journey through love was marked by partnership, tragedy, and, ultimately, a complex legal struggle over his multimillion-dollar empire.

The story of Bob Ross’s wives is not just a tale of romance; it is intrinsically linked to the creation and control of the Bob Ross brand. From his first wife, who gave him his only son, to his second wife, who was a foundational business partner, and his third wife, whose brief marriage played a role in a contentious estate battle, each woman was a significant entity in the painter's private world. Understanding these relationships is key to grasping the full scope of Bob Ross's legacy.

Bob Ross: A Complete Biographical Profile

Before diving into the details of his three marriages, here is a complete biographical profile of the legendary painter and television host, Robert Norman Ross.

  • Full Name: Robert Norman Ross
  • Known As: Bob Ross
  • Date of Birth: October 29, 1942
  • Place of Birth: Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
  • Date of Death: July 4, 1995 (Aged 52)
  • Cause of Death: Lymphoma
  • Occupation: Painter, Art Instructor, Television Host
  • Famous For: Hosting the PBS show The Joy of Painting (1983–1994) and popularizing the "wet-on-wet" oil painting technique.
  • Spouses:
    • Vivian Ridge (m. 1965; div. 1977)
    • Jane Ross (née Zanardelli) (m. 1977; died 1992)
    • Lynda Brown (m. 1995)
  • Children: Steve Ross (Son, with Vivian Ridge)
  • Military Service: Served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant.
  • Business Entity: Co-founded Bob Ross Inc. (BRI) in 1985.

Vivian Ridge: The First Wife and Mother of Steve Ross

Bob Ross's first wife was Vivian Ridge. Their marriage represents a period of significant transition in Bob’s life, coinciding with his long career in the U.S. Air Force.

A Military Life and the Birth of a Son

Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross married in 1965. At the time, Bob was serving as a Master Sergeant at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, a role where he famously developed his signature "wet-on-wet" painting technique to complete landscapes quickly during his short breaks.

Their marriage lasted for 12 years, ending in divorce in 1977. This union produced Bob Ross's only known child, his son, Steve Ross. Steve, who inherited his father's artistic talent, would later appear on The Joy of Painting alongside his father, becoming a familiar face to dedicated viewers.

While Bob rarely spoke publicly about his first marriage, reports suggest that his extramarital affairs may have contributed to the separation and subsequent divorce from Vivian Ridge. Vivian Ridge has maintained a low profile since the divorce, and little is known about her life after her separation from the iconic painter.

Jane Ross: The Business Partner and Tragic Loss

The second and arguably most pivotal woman in Bob Ross's life was Jane Ross, born Jane Lee Zanardelli. She was not only his wife but also a crucial business and creative partner who helped launch the Bob Ross phenomenon.

The Co-Founder of Bob Ross Inc. (BRI)

Bob and Jane married in 1977, the same year his divorce from Vivian was finalized. Jane was instrumental in convincing Bob to leave his military career and pursue painting full-time. More importantly, she was a co-founder of Bob Ross Inc. (BRI) in 1985, alongside Bob and their friends, Walt and Annette Kowalski.

The four partners—Bob, Jane, Walt, and Annette—each owned an equal share of BRI. This business structure was designed to manage the growing demand for Bob Ross painting products, instructional videos, and, of course, the globally syndicated television show, The Joy of Painting. Jane's involvement ensured the business side of the "happy little trees" was as successful as the artistic endeavor.

The Devastating Death of Jane Ross

Tragedy struck the Ross family when Jane Ross was diagnosed with cancer. She sadly passed away in 1992. Her death was a major emotional shock for Bob, leading him to briefly halt the filming of The Joy of Painting. The loss of his wife and business partner was a profound personal and professional setback, and it marked a turning point in the business's ownership structure, which would have long-lasting, complicated legal ramifications.

Lynda Brown: The Nurse, the Will, and the Legal Legacy

Bob Ross's third and final wife was Lynda Brown (sometimes referred to as Lynda Brown Ross or Lynda Lucille). Their relationship began in the shadow of Bob’s declining health and was brief, yet its timing had a dramatic impact on the future of the Bob Ross brand.

A Marriage Two Months Before His Passing

Lynda Brown was a nurse whom Bob met while he was battling lymphoma. In a move that surprised many, Bob married Lynda Brown in 1995, just two months before his death in July of the same year. This marriage, and the subsequent changes to his will, are often cited as a key factor that complicated the future ownership of Bob Ross Inc.

The Bitter Battle for the Bob Ross Empire

The period following Bob Ross's death in 1995 ignited a prolonged and bitter legal dispute over the rights to his name, likeness, and intellectual property. The core issue stemmed from the original Bob Ross Inc. partnership agreement, the unexpected death of Jane Ross, and the addition of Lynda Brown as Bob's widow.

Bob's original intent was reportedly to leave the rights to his son, Steve Ross, and his half-brother, Jimmie Cox. However, the Kowalskis, as the surviving partners of BRI, asserted their rights under the original shareholder agreement. This led to a contentious legal battle between the Kowalskis, Bob's son Steve Ross, and his third wife, Lynda Brown.

The legal conflicts demonstrated a critical flaw in Bob’s estate planning. The business agreement with the Kowalskis ultimately prevailed over Bob’s final will, resulting in the Kowalski family gaining full control of Bob Ross Inc. This control allowed them to continue the legacy of the "happy little accidents" while simultaneously leading to a major estrangement between the company and Bob's son, Steve Ross.

The Lasting Legacy of the Wives

The three wives of Bob Ross—Vivian Ridge, Jane Ross, and Lynda Brown—each played a distinct and critical role in the life of the television icon. Vivian gave him his heir, Steve Ross, who now continues to paint and teach. Jane was the visionary co-founder who helped transform a painting technique into a global brand. Lynda’s presence at the end of his life added a final, complex layer to his estate, triggering the legal conflict that defined the control of his legacy.

Today, the Bob Ross brand, managed by Bob Ross Inc. (BRI), continues to thrive, promoting the wet-on-wet technique and his philosophy of joy. The story of his marriages provides a rare, grounded look at the man behind the "happy little trees," revealing a life that was as complex and layered as the landscapes he painted.

bob ross wife
bob ross wife

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