TV travel icon Rick Steves, known for his popular PBS show “Rick Steves’ Europe,” has publicly shared his recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. In an announcement made across his social media platforms on Wednesday, Steves conveyed a message of optimism and resilience, framing his health challenge as a new journey.
Image: Travel guru Rick Steves at an event in Olympia, Washington, showcasing his positive attitude amidst his prostate cancer diagnosis.
Steves detailed that he will undergo surgery at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle the following month. True to his dedicated work ethic, he plans to film two upcoming episodes of “Rick Steves’ Europe” in France over a three-week period before his medical procedure. Following the surgery, he anticipates a month-long recovery period, aiming to resume his regular work schedule by late October. This timeline was shared in his announcements on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, keeping his fans informed and reassured.
In his characteristic positive tone, Steves articulated a remarkably unfazed perspective on his diagnosis. Despite acknowledging the statistical realities of his condition, he expressed that he approaches this health experience with a sense of adventure, akin to planning an “amazing, really important trip.” Having been fortunate enough to avoid hospital stays in the past, he views this situation as a unique, albeit unexpected, journey.
Steves outlined the “souvenirs” he hopes to gain from this experience, intangible yet invaluable takeaways: a heightened appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, a deeper recognition of human kindness and the importance of personal relationships, awe at the advancements of modern medicine and the dedication of healthcare professionals, and an amplified sense of gratitude for life, health, and the world’s wonders. Ultimately, he aims to emerge from this chapter with an even stronger sense of thankfulness.
Based in Edmonds, Washington, near Seattle, Rick Steves’ professional life is divided between his home base and Europe. He dedicates a significant portion of each year, about a third, to traveling throughout Europe. This time is spent creating fresh content and refining his extensive enterprise, which encompasses his PBS television series, widely-used travel guidebooks, and guided tour programs. Beyond television and print, Steves also connects with his audience through his “Travel with Rick Steves” radio show, broadcast on public radio and available as a podcast on platforms like iHeartRadio.
Concluding his announcement, Steves reiterated his optimistic outlook, stating, “There’s a clear path forward to getting healthy,” effectively portraying his cancer diagnosis not as a setback, but as another itinerary on his life’s journey, navigated with his signature blend of pragmatism and positivity.
