Jim Nantz is a household name in sports broadcasting, recognized for his smooth commentary across the NFL, the Masters, and NCAA tournaments. His professional life has been defined by iconic calls and decades of dedication to CBS Sports, but outside the broadcast booth, his personal life has had its own dramatic turns.
Nantz has been married twice, first to Ann-Lorraine “Lorrie” Carlsen for over two decades before their highly publicized divorce. He later found love again with Courtney Richards, a woman nearly two decades younger, who has since become his life partner. Their relationship has been one of fresh starts, family growth, and unwavering support.
The End of a 26-Year Marriage
Before meeting Courtney, Nantz was married to his first wife, Ann-Lorraine Carlsen, for more than two decades. Their marriage began in 1983, long before Nantz reached the peak of his broadcasting career. Together, they built a life in Westport, Connecticut, and welcomed a daughter, Caroline, in 1994.
For years, their marriage seemed stable, but by the late 2000s, cracks began to show. Nantz’s busy career kept him on the road for long stretches, and the growing distance between them became evident. By 2009, the couple officially decided to part ways, leading to a divorce that would soon become a topic of public discussion.
The court proceedings revealed not just the end of a long relationship but also the financial implications of the split. A judge ordered Nantz to pay his ex-wife $916,000 annually in alimony and child support. However, what truly fueled media attention was the revelation that Nantz had already started seeing someone new—Courtney Richards—before the divorce was finalized.
Meeting Courtney Richards Amid Controversy
Courtney Richards entered Nantz’s life at a critical juncture. She worked as a vice president of IMG, the talent management company that represented Nantz. Their professional connection quickly turned personal, and soon, they were dating.
While some speculated that his new relationship played a role in his divorce, the court ruled otherwise. The judge determined that Nantz’s marriage to Carlsen had already been deteriorating for years and that his romance with Richards did not influence the outcome of the divorce.
This ruling helped Nantz avoid a potentially more complicated settlement and allowed him to move forward with Richards without additional legal scrutiny. Despite the public chatter surrounding their relationship, Nantz and Richards remained focused on their future. Their relationship strengthened over time, leading to a major step forward in 2010.
Two years after they began dating, Nantz proposed to Richards in a setting that was anything but ordinary. While vacationing in Maine, the couple was joined by former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, longtime friends of Nantz. In that moment, surrounded by history and companionship, Nantz asked Richards to marry him. She said yes, and their engagement became official.
The engagement lasted nearly two years before they decided to tie the knot.
A Grand Wedding at Pebble Beach
On June 9, 2012, Jim Nantz and Courtney Richards exchanged vows at one of the most iconic locations in golf—Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. The wedding was a star-studded event, attended by figures from both the sports and entertainment industries.
Among the notable guests were CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus, fellow broadcaster Phil Simms, golf legends Phil Mickelson and Fred Couples, and even NFL quarterback Tom Brady. The event blended sports and celebration, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Nantz and Richards.
Their home, which overlooked Pebble Beach, played a significant role in their wedding plans. Nantz had purchased the property in 2011 with the intention of moving in with Richards as newlyweds.
Construction on the house was completed just in time, with workers putting in the final touches the day before the wedding. After celebrating with their guests, the couple stepped into their new life together in a house built for their future.
Parenthood and Family Life
Marriage brought not just companionship but also the joy of expanding their family. In 2014, Nantz and Richards welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Finley Cathleen Nantz. Two years later, in 2016, their son, Jameson, was born.
For Nantz, fatherhood was not a new experience, as he already had a daughter, Caroline, from his first marriage. However, raising children with Richards gave him a new perspective. Despite his demanding broadcasting schedule, he made an effort to be present in their lives.
Interestingly, Finley’s name carries a special connection to Pebble Beach. Nantz later revealed that she was named after Samuel Finley Brown Morse, the founder of Pebble Beach. However, he kept this detail from Richards until after she had already fallen in love with the name.
For years, Nantz and Richards enjoyed their life in Pebble Beach, but in 2021, they made a significant decision—to relocate to Nashville, Tennessee. The move was primarily driven by Nantz’s desire to spend more time with his children. His career required extensive travel, and being based in Nashville provided a better balance between work and home life.
Though the change was a big one, it allowed Nantz to enjoy the quieter side of life, away from the constant travel and time zone changes that came with his job.
A Supportive Partner
Beyond being a wife and mother, Richards has also been a key figure in Nantz’s professional and philanthropic efforts. She played an active role when Nantz launched a golf clothing line with Vineyard Vines, a brand known for its ties to the sport. Their business partnership proved to be another way in which their relationship thrived.
Additionally, Richards has supported Nantz’s long-standing commitment to Alzheimer’s research. Nantz founded the Nantz National Alzheimer Center in honor of his late father, who battled the disease for 13 years. Richards has been by his side in raising awareness and funds, helping him further his mission.
Despite being relatively private, Richards occasionally steps into the public eye alongside Nantz. Over the years, she has accompanied him to major industry events, such as CBS Upfront presentations and charity gatherings.
