Stephen Covey Bio: Books, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Kids, Death, Career, Parents

Stephen Richards Covey was an influential American educator, author, businessman, and speaker whose teachings on personal and organizational effectiveness transformed millions of lives worldwide.

Best known for his landmark book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which has sold over 40 million copies and been translated into more than 40 languages, Covey also wrote enduring classics such as The 8th Habit, Principle-Centered Leadership, and First Things First.

A devoted family man and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he co-founded FranklinCovey, a global leadership training firm, and left a lasting legacy as one of the most respected voices in self-improvement and human development.

Profile

• Full Name: Stephen Richards Covey
• Born: October 24, 1932
• Died: July 16, 2012
• Age: 93 years old
• Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Author, Educator, Speaker, Businessman
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Stephen Glenn Covey and Louise Richards Covey
• Siblings: John Covey, Marilyn Richards Covey Williams, Irene C. Gaddis, Helen Jean Williams
• Spouse: Sandra Merrill Covey (m. 1957–2012)
• Children: Sean Covey, Stephen M. R. Covey, Cynthia Covey Haller, Maria Cole, David M. R. Covey, Catherine Sagers, Colleen Covey Brown, Joshua Covey, Jenny Pitt
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $25 million

Early Life and Education

Stephen Richards Covey was born on October 24, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, into a devout LDS family.

His father, Stephen Glenn Covey, ran a successful real-estate and insurance business, while his mother, Louise Richards Covey, raised the children.

One of seven siblings, whose names are; John Covey, Marilyn Richards Covey Williams, Irene C. Gaddis, and Helen Jean Williams.

A leg injury in his teens ended his athletic ambitions and forced him to walk with crutches for years, shaping his resilience and character.

He graduated early from high school and served a two-year mission for the LDS Church in England.

Covey earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Utah, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and later a Doctor of Religious Education from Brigham Young University.

He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Career

Stephen Covey began his career teaching business and organizational behavior at Brigham Young University, where he eventually became a professor and served as assistant to the president.

While pursuing his doctorate, he developed the principles that would become The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, first published in 1989 after being turned down by numerous publishers.

The book became a global phenomenon, spending years on bestseller lists and launching Covey into international prominence as a leadership guru.

In 1983 he co-founded the Covey Leadership Center, which merged with Franklin Quest in 1997 to form FranklinCovey, a multimillion-dollar company offering training and productivity tools to corporations, governments, and individuals worldwide.

He followed The 7 Habits with bestsellers including Principle-Centered Leadership (1991), First Things First (1994, co-authored with A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill), The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families (1997), and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness (2004).

Covey’s teachings emphasized timeless principles over quick fixes, earning praise from leaders like Bill Clinton and Jack Welch.

Stephen Covey spent his final years writing, speaking, and mentoring through FranklinCovey until his passing.

His work continues to shape leadership training in Fortune 500 companies, schools, and homes worldwide.

Several of his nine children, notably Sean Covey and Stephen M. R. Covey, have carried forward his legacy through their own bestselling books and leadership roles.

Social Media

Stephen Covey does not have any active social media accounts

Personal Life

Stephen Covey married Sandra Merrill in 1957; the couple remained devoted partners for 55 years until his death.

Together they have nine children whose names are; Sean Covey, Stephen M. R. Covey, Cynthia Covey Haller, Maria Cole, David M. R. Covey, Catherine Sagers, Colleen Covey Brown, Joshua Covey, and Jenny Pitt.

Known for living the principles he taught, Covey prioritized family above all, often crediting Sandra as his greatest teacher.

In April 2012 he suffered a severe bicycle accident that led to complications and his death three months later on July 16, 2012, surrounded by family in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Net Worth

Stephen Covey had an estimated net worth of $25 million at the time of his death in 2012.

His wealth stemmed primarily from book royalties (especially The 7 Habits), speaking fees that reached six figures per engagement, FranklinCovey equity and consulting revenue, and global licensing of his training programs.