Hello, Friends! Unmasking The Private Life Of Jim Nantz: Is The Legendary Sportscaster Married?

Jim Nantz, the iconic voice of CBS Sports, has been a fixture in American living rooms for decades, bringing his signature "Hello, Friends" greeting to some of the biggest sporting events in the world, including The Masters, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and the NFL. However, while his professional life is an open book of legendary calls and historic moments, his personal life, particularly his marital status, often remains a subject of intense curiosity for fans.

As of late 2025, the answer is a resounding yes: Jim Nantz is happily married to his second wife, Courtney Richards Nantz. Their relationship began following a high-profile and costly divorce from his first wife, a chapter of his life that briefly pulled the famously private broadcaster into the public eye. This article delves into the full story of his two marriages, the details of his family life, and a complete biography of the man behind the microphone.

Jim Nantz: A Complete Biography and Career Timeline

James William Nantz III, better known as Jim Nantz, is one of the most celebrated and decorated sportscasters in television history. His career is synonymous with CBS Sports, where he has held the prestigious role of lead play-by-play announcer for nearly every major broadcast.

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• Full Name: James William Nantz III
• Date of Birth: May 17, 1959
• Place of Birth: Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
• Education: University of Houston (where he was a member of the golf team)
• Current Role: Lead Play-by-Play Announcer for CBS Sports
• Key Assignments: The Masters (since 1989), NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (Final Four since 1991), NFL on CBS (lead play-by-play since 2004)
• Awards and Honors: Three-time Emmy Award winner, five-time National Sportscaster of the Year, inductee into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
• Signature Phrase: "Hello, Friends."

Nantz joined the CBS Television Network in 1985, a move that solidified his place as a versatile and authoritative voice in sports. He is the only commentator to have hosted the Super Bowl, the NCAA Final Four, and the Masters—all in the same year. This remarkable achievement underscores his importance as the face and voice of CBS Sports' biggest events, making his personal life a topic of great interest to the millions who tune in.

The Current Marriage: Jim Nantz and Courtney Richards Nantz

Jim Nantz is currently married to Courtney Richards Nantz. Their relationship began after Nantz's separation from his first wife, and they have been a prominent couple in the sports and media world for over a decade.

The Wedding and Family Life

The couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in June 2012. The wedding was held at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, a location that holds significant professional and personal meaning for Nantz, who has covered the U.S. Open and other major tournaments there countless times.

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Courtney Richards Nantz is a former vice president at IMG, a major talent management and sports marketing agency. This background gave her a keen understanding of the sports media world, providing a unique foundation for their relationship. They first met through IMG, the agency that represents Nantz, allowing their professional worlds to intersect with their personal lives.

The couple has two children together: a daughter, Caroline, who was born in 2014, and a son, Jameson, born in 2016. Jim Nantz is a devoted family man, often speaking about the joy his younger children have brought to his life and how they keep him grounded despite his demanding travel schedule covering the NFL and golf tournaments.

A Look Back: Jim Nantz's First Marriage and High-Profile Divorce

Before his marriage to Courtney, Jim Nantz was married to Ann-Lorraine "Lorrie" Carlsen Nantz for 26 years. This long-term relationship was a cornerstone of his early career, but it ultimately ended in a highly publicized divorce that drew national media attention.

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The Details of the First Marriage

Jim Nantz and Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz were married for over two and a half decades, a significant period that spanned the vast majority of Nantz's rise to becoming a sportscasting legend. During their marriage, they welcomed one daughter, Caroline Nantz, who is now an adult.

The Costly Separation

Nantz filed for divorce in 2009, a decision that led to a contentious legal battle. The divorce proceedings became a major headline, primarily due to the substantial financial settlement involved. The settlement was reported to be one of the most expensive in Connecticut state history at the time, underscoring the high net worth and assets accumulated during Nantz’s successful career with CBS.

The public nature of the divorce was a challenging period for the usually reserved broadcaster. The settlement included a significant lump sum payment and ongoing alimony and child support payments. Despite the difficulties, the divorce was finalized, allowing Nantz to move forward with his life and eventually marry Courtney Richards.

Topical Authority: The Impact of Jim Nantz's Personal Life on His Career

While Jim Nantz is celebrated for his professionalism and ability to deliver a flawless broadcast, his personal journey has subtly influenced his public persona and charitable work. The experience of his father's battle with Alzheimer's disease was the inspiration for his book, Always By My Side, and his dedication to the Nantz National Alzheimer Center (NNAC) in Houston.

The stability of his current marriage to Courtney Richards Nantz is often cited as a key factor in his continued success and longevity in the demanding world of sports broadcasting. The support of his wife and family—including his three children (Caroline from his first marriage, and Caroline and Jameson from his second)—allows him to maintain his focus on the high-pressure roles he holds with the NFL, the NCAA March Madness coverage, and his beloved Masters tournament.

The entity of Jim Nantz is inextricably linked to the history of CBS Sports, and his personal life, while private, provides context to the man who brings such gravitas and warmth to his commentary. His story is a testament to balancing a high-profile career with the complexities of family life, offering a relatable narrative for fans who follow his every call from the 18th hole at Augusta National or the Super Bowl sidelines.

Nantz's Legacy Beyond the Booth

The sportscaster's commitment extends beyond the play-by-play. His charitable endeavors, particularly those related to Alzheimer's research, highlight a deep personal connection to his work. The Jim Nantz Award is a prestigious honor in college basketball, further cementing his legacy as a figure who champions the sport. His voice is the soundtrack to some of the most memorable moments in sports history, and his personal life, now settled and happy, continues to support this remarkable professional journey.

Fans often search for details about "Jim Nantz's wife" or "Jim Nantz's family" because they feel a personal connection to the man whose voice has accompanied their favorite sporting events for decades. Knowing that the legendary broadcaster has found happiness with Courtney Richards Nantz and is enjoying life with his children adds a layer of warmth to the "Hello, Friends" greeting that has become a national tradition.