The Untold Story of Anne de Zogheb, Paul Anka’s Elegant First Wife

Some people shine quietly but leave a deep mark on the world. Anne de Zogheb was one of those people.

She was a famous fashion model in the 1960s, known for her natural beauty and classy style. She was also the first wife of singer Paul Anka, the man behind hit songs like Diana and Put Your Head on My Shoulder. But Anne’s life was not only about beauty and fame. She was a loving mother, a serious art lover, and a woman of strong character who stayed away from the spotlight.

In this article, we’ll explore everything about Anne de Zogheb — her early life, career, love story with Paul Anka, children, and more. This is the first half of her amazing and untold story.

Anne de Zogheb Quick Bio

Anne de Zogheb’s Early Life

Anne de Zogheb was born on October 2, 1942, in Alexandria, Egypt. Her full name was Anne Alison de Zogheb.

She came from a family with a rich and mixed background. Her father, Charles de Zogheb, was a Lebanese diplomat. Her mother was British. Anne grew up around different languages, cultures, and traditions, which gave her a wide view of the world even as a young girl.

When Anne was 10, her family moved to England due to the 1952 Egyptian Revolution. There, she went to a convent school and later a finishing school. Her time in Europe helped shape her calm and graceful personality — something that would help her greatly in the fashion world later on.

Anne de Zogheb Family Background

Anne’s family was well-respected. Her father, Charles, worked for many years in diplomacy. Her grandfather was even knighted by an Italian king and owned farmland in Alexandria. This family history brought Anne close to politics, travel, and fine living.

Though her mother’s name isn’t widely known, she came from England and gave Anne a strong sense of British charm and elegance. These combined influences — from Lebanon, Egypt, England, and France — made Anne stand out in every room she entered.

Anne was raised to understand different points of view and respect different lifestyles. This is something her own children would later say made her such a wonderful and kind mother.

How Anne de Zogheb Became a Model

Anne’s path into modeling was not planned. After leaving finishing school, she moved to Paris.

There, she started working in a small fashion house. She didn’t expect fame — but people noticed her quiet beauty and graceful walk. One of her early boyfriends encouraged her to meet a famous model named Dorian Leigh. That meeting changed Anne’s life.

At just 17, she landed her first magazine cover for French Elle. That one cover opened the doors to a full modeling career. Paris was the perfect place for someone with Anne’s charm and background.

Anne de Zogheb Modeling Success

Anne’s career took off quickly. In 1959, top modeling agent Eileen Ford discovered her and brought her to New York.

Anne joined the Ford Modeling Agency and began working with the best names in fashion. She walked runways for famous designers like Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga. She also graced the covers of top magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

Photographers loved working with Anne. Her quiet presence and strong features made her perfect for all kinds of shoots — classic, modern, or high fashion. She wasn’t loud or dramatic. She let her style speak for itself. That’s why she became one of the most respected models of her time.

Anne de Zogheb and Paul Anka: How Their Love Began

In 1962, Anne was sent to Puerto Rico for a modeling job. At the same time, Paul Anka was there filming The Longest Day.

They met by chance, and something clicked right away. Both had Lebanese roots and strong family values. They felt a natural connection. Soon after meeting, they began spending more time together. Even though Anne was already famous in the fashion world and Paul was a rising music star, they kept their relationship sweet and simple.

Their love grew fast. After a year of dating, they decided to marry — not in a huge church or castle, but in a surprising and unique way.

Anne de Zogheb and Paul Anka Wedding and Family

On February 16, 1963, Anne and Paul got married at Orly Airport in Paris. It was an unusual but romantic wedding location, and it made headlines.

After marriage, Anne stepped away from modeling to focus on her family. She and Paul had five daughters: Alexandra, Amanda, Alicia, Anthea, and Amelia. They first lived in New York, then in Las Vegas, and later moved to Carmel, California. Eventually, the family settled in Los Angeles.

Anne was deeply committed to her family. She gave up her modeling fame without regret so she could raise her daughters full-time. Her children later said that their mother gave them a home full of warmth, creativity, and strong values.

Anne de Zogheb Children and Their Lives

Anne and Paul Anka raised five daughters, each with her own path in life.

• Amanda Anka, born in 1968, became an actress and producer. She’s married to actor Jason Bateman and works in Hollywood.

• Anthea Anka is a singer and screenwriter. She even wrote a movie called Battlecreek in 2017.

• Alicia Anka is a yoga teacher and life coach.

• Alexandra Anka lives in Switzerland and has worked as a lawyer and in event planning.

• Amelia Anka, the youngest, keeps a quiet life in Los Angeles with her two children.

Anne was also a stepmother to Paul’s son Ethan Anka from his second marriage. Though Ethan came into her life later, the family respected and accepted him with kindness.

Anne raised her daughters to be thoughtful, strong, and kind. Her love and patience helped shape them into successful women.

Why Anne de Zogheb Left Modeling

After becoming a mother, Anne made a big choice. She stepped away from her busy modeling career.

She wanted to be there for her children and create a quiet, loving home. Fame was never her main goal. Family meant more to her. So after her second child was born in 1968, Anne fully left the modeling world.

This choice shows what kind of person Anne de Zogheb was — kind, grounded, and focused on what truly matters. Many people admired her not just for her beauty, but for her strong heart.

Anne de Zogheb Love for Art

Even though she left fashion, Anne never stopped being creative. She developed a deep love for art.

She became an art collector and filled her home with beautiful pieces. She collected works from well-known artists like Sol LeWitt, Robert Rauschenberg, and Mark di Suvero. Her art collection was thoughtful and full of meaning.

Anne often visited art shows, supported new artists, and built friendships in the art world. She didn’t just buy art — she understood it. She had a natural eye for beauty, whether it was in fashion or paintings.

Anne de Zogheb Appearance and Style

Even after she left modeling, Anne de Zogheb stayed elegant. She had a timeless beauty and calm grace.

Anne had soft features, expressive dark eyes, and light blonde hair. She always looked stylish but never overdone. She wore simple, classy clothes that matched her peaceful nature.

Photographers loved how she could express emotion without words. Her beauty wasn’t just on the outside — it came from the way she carried herself with kindness and quiet confidence. That’s why many still remember Anne as a true style icon.

Anne de Zogheb Later Life

In her later years, Anne lived a more private life. She stayed away from the spotlight and focused on her family and art.

Even though she and Paul Anka divorced in 2000, they remained respectful. Their children were always the most important part of their bond. Anne chose to live quietly in California, surrounded by love and peace.

She stayed close to her daughters, attended family events, and enjoyed a calm, beautiful life. While the world didn’t often see her in public, her presence was still deeply felt by those who knew her.

Anne de Zogheb Cause of Death

Anne de Zogheb passed away on March 29, 2017, in Hollywood, California. She was 74 years old.

The exact cause of her death was never shared with the public. Some believe it was due to natural causes related to age. Her family kept the details private, which fits her gentle and quiet way of living.

There is also no public information about her funeral or resting place. This has left many fans wondering, but also respecting her family’s wish for privacy.

Final Thoughts

Anne de Zogheb left behind more than memories — she left a lasting legacy. She showed that you could be successful, kind, and graceful all at once.

In fashion, she was one of the most admired models of the 1960s. In art, she supported creative voices and built a beautiful collection. In family, she was a loving and caring mother who raised five strong daughters. Her daughter Amanda continues her path in the entertainment world.

Today, when people talk about Anne de Zogheb, they remember her as Paul Anka’s elegant first wife, but also as a woman who lived her life with purpose, love, and class. Her story still inspires those who believe in staying true to yourself.

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