Ann Carlson Khan, an accomplished American dancer, choreographer, and philanthropist, is best known as the wife of billionaire businessman Shahid Khan. At 71 years old (born October 21, 1954), she has dedicated her life to charitable work through the Khan Foundation, which she founded to support financially struggling individuals and communities.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, Ann Carlson attended Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School. She pursued higher education at the University of Arizona before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance from the University of Utah. She also studied at the University of Illinois, Champaign.
Career as a Dancer and Philanthropist
Ann began her professional dance career in Arizona, gaining prominence and sharing the stage with notable artists like Meredith Monk and Susan Rethorst. She ended her dance career in the 1990s and also worked as a television presenter. Today, she is primarily recognized for her philanthropy through the Khan Foundation, which brings positive change to American society.
Marriage to Shahid Khan
Ann met Shahid Khan at the University of Illinois in 1967. After a ten-year courtship, they married on January 28, 1977, in Clark, Nevada. Shahid Khan is a Pakistani-American billionaire who owns Flex-N-Gate, the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL), Fulham F.C. (Premier League), and co-owns All Elite Wrestling (AEW) with their son, Tony. The couple has been married for nearly five decades.
Children and Family Life
Ann and Shahid have two children: Tony Khan and Shanna Khan. Tony is a prominent sports executive, founder and co-owner of AEW, where he serves as president and CEO. In a 2020 Mother's Day tweet, Tony wrote: “Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing Mom! She’s always been so supportive. She never liked watching wrestling for 30 years I watched it, but since #AEW started she’s been our biggest fan, she watches every Dynamite & PPV, every @FulhamFC match and every @Jaguars game! I love you Mom!” Shanna Khan works as a district assistant for a congressman and co-owns United Marketing Company, also investing in private firms. The family resides in Naples, Florida.
Physical Attributes and Public Profile
Ann Carlson Khan stands 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs approximately 143 pounds (65 kg). Despite her husband's high-profile status, she maintains a relatively low public profile, focusing on her philanthropic initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shahid Khan's wife? Ann Carlson Khan, an American philanthropist and former dancer.
How long have they been together? They married in 1977, marking over 48 years of marriage as of 2026.
How many children do they have? Two: Tony and Shanna.
Is Ann Carlson Khan still alive? Yes, despite false obituary reports online, she is alive and in good health.
Ann Carlson Khan's life reflects a journey from the dance stage to impactful philanthropy, supporting her family's ventures while championing social causes through the Khan Foundation.
