Dean Ornish’s Wife: A Look Into His Life, Love, and Partnerships
When people think of Dr. Dean Ornish, they usually picture a pioneering doctor, bestselling author, and advocate of reversing heart disease through lifestyle changes. His name is often linked to plant-based eating, meditation, and heart health—but what about the person behind the scenes? If you’ve ever wondered about Dean Ornish’s wife, or who he shares his life with, you’re not alone.
It turns out that Dr. Ornish has been married more than once. But these days, the woman most closely associated with him—personally and professionally—is Anne Ornish. Their partnership isn’t just about romance; it’s also built on a shared passion for healing and well-being.
Let’s take a closer look at the journey that brought them together, and how their relationship complements everything Dr. Ornish teaches.
A Quick Background on Dean Ornish
Before diving into his relationships, here’s a bit of context. Dean Ornish was born in 1953 and gained national attention in the 1980s for being one of the first physicians to show that comprehensive lifestyle changes—not just medication—could reverse heart disease.
He founded the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute and has authored several influential books, including Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease and Undo It!. His approach is built on four pillars: eat well, move more, stress less, and love more.
So, it makes sense that the “love more” piece isn’t just a talking point—it plays a central role in his own life.
Past Marriages: Shirley and Mary
Dr. Ornish’s first marriage was to Shirley E. Brown. She wasn’t just his wife—she also worked alongside him in the early stages of his medical work. Their relationship lasted through some of his early professional milestones but ultimately ended in divorce in 1994.
A few years later, in 1998, he married Mary Blackwell. This chapter of his life remains relatively private, and little has been shared publicly about their time together. It’s clear, though, that by the mid-2000s, that marriage had also come to an end.
Both of these earlier relationships shaped different parts of his journey. They were part of his growth—both personally and professionally—but they also paved the way for something new.
Meeting Anne: A Turning Point
Around 2007, Dean Ornish met Anne—a turning point in his personal life. At the time, he was in his mid-50s, and by his own admission, ready for something deeper and more aligned with the person he had become.
Anne brought her own strengths to the table. A longtime yoga teacher and mindfulness practitioner, she was already immersed in the same wellness world that Dean had been championing for decades. She wasn’t just a romantic partner—she shared his values, spoke the same “language” of holistic health, and brought a calm, steady energy into his life.
It didn’t take long for them to start working together. Today, Anne is the Vice President of Program Development at the Preventive Medicine Research Institute. She’s also the Digital Director for Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, helping bring their message to an even broader audience.
A Partnership That Goes Beyond Marriage
Interestingly, although Anne is widely regarded as Dean Ornish’s wife, the couple hasn’t made a big public deal about a wedding. Whether or not they’ve officially tied the knot isn’t clear—but what is clear is that their bond runs deep.
Together, they co-authored Undo It! in 2019, a book that pulls together decades of Dean’s research and Anne’s expertise in mindfulness, stress reduction, and emotional well-being. Their message: many chronic diseases can be prevented—and even reversed—when we make better lifestyle choices.
They also appeared together on Oprah’s “Super Soul Sunday,” where their easy rapport and shared vision made it obvious that theirs is a true partnership—in every sense of the word.
Home Life in Sausalito
Dean and Anne live in Sausalito, California, a quiet, scenic spot just north of San Francisco. Their life together mirrors the very practices they teach: biking, kayaking, walking to work, eating whole plant-based meals, practicing yoga, and taking time to reflect and recharge.
They have a blended family that includes Anne’s daughter, Jasmine, and Dean’s teenage son, Lucas. Family is clearly a priority, and their household reflects that mix of love, mindfulness, and intention that they bring to their professional lives.
Dean often says that his greatest lesson isn’t about cholesterol levels—it’s about love and connection. And that seems to be what his life with Anne is all about.
Why Their Relationship Stands Out
What makes Dean and Anne’s relationship special isn’t just that they love each other—it’s that they’ve built something meaningful together. Anne isn’t in the background of Dean’s work. She’s front and center, shaping, leading, and expanding the mission they both care about so deeply.
She also brings a balance that enhances what Dean offers. While he focuses on the science, she focuses on the human side. Together, they offer a full picture of what it means to live—and love—well.
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