Meet Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz: Jim Nantz’s Ex-Wife Who Chose Privacy

Have you ever wondered what happened to the first wife of famous sportscaster Jim Nantz? Her name is Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz, but many people knew her simply as Lorrie. She lived a quiet life before and after her marriage, even though her husband became one of the most famous voices on television.

Their marriage lasted for 26 long years, filled with love, travel, and change. But in 2009, everything ended in a very public divorce that caught everyone’s attention. Since then, Ann-Lorraine has chosen to stay away from fame and live peacefully out of the spotlight.

In this article, we’ll talk about her life, her marriage to Jim Nantz, their daughter, and how she decided to live privately after their split.

Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz Quick Bio

Who Is Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz?

Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz is best known as the ex-wife of Jim Nantz, one of the most respected sportscasters in America. She is an American woman who prefers privacy and has always kept her life away from the media.

Before her marriage, very little was known about her background. She was never someone who enjoyed public attention. Even during her time as Jim Nantz’s wife, she rarely appeared in interviews or events unless it was something meaningful to the family.

What makes Ann-Lorraine’s story interesting is how she stayed graceful and calm even when her name made headlines after the divorce. Instead of seeking attention, she quietly stepped away and chose a life of peace and privacy.

How Did She Meet Jim Nantz?

Ann-Lorraine and Jim Nantz’s love story began long before the fame and TV lights. They met while studying at Marlboro High School in New Jersey. At that time, Jim was a young man with big dreams of becoming a sportscaster, and Lorrie was his biggest supporter.

After years of dating, they got engaged while she was working in Houston. Their relationship grew stronger, and on April 16, 1983, they got married in Colts Neck, New Jersey. It was a simple and beautiful wedding surrounded by close family and friends.

For many years, they looked like the perfect couple — supportive, loyal, and deeply connected. Jim’s career started to rise, and Lorrie was right there beside him.

Inside Their 26-Year Marriage

Their marriage lasted 26 years, which is a long time for anyone — especially when one partner lives in the spotlight. During those years, Jim Nantz became one of the most famous sportscasters in America, calling major golf tournaments, NFL games, and college basketball championships.

Ann-Lorraine, on the other hand, focused more on their home and family. She became the strong and steady partner behind Jim’s busy career. The couple welcomed their only child, Caroline Nantz, in 1994, and Lorrie dedicated most of her time to raising her daughter.

They attended social events together and appeared at charity functions like the Westport Country Playhouse benefit dinner, but most of the time, Ann-Lorraine preferred staying out of the spotlight. She enjoyed simple moments — family time, charity work, and quiet evenings away from the cameras.

What Went Wrong in the Marriage?

Like many long marriages, theirs started to change over time. Jim Nantz often traveled for work, covering sports events around the country, while Lorrie stayed home to care for their daughter. Slowly, their lives started to move in different directions.

When Jim filed for divorce in 2009, he explained that the marriage had broken down. He said he felt a lack of emotional and career support from Lorrie. For example, she didn’t want him to take a hosting job on the CBS Early Show, and she didn’t enjoy traveling with him to events. Jim even mentioned that she didn’t want him to hang a painting he had received for his “Man of the Year” award.

In her defense, Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz said she supported him as much as she could but that her main focus was raising their daughter. She wanted to give Caroline a normal and loving childhood.

The court judge later said that no one was to blame. The judge explained that their relationship had simply grown apart over the years, something that happens to many couples after decades together.

Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz’s Divorce Story

Their divorce in 2009 quickly made headlines because of how long they had been married and how much money was involved. After 26 years of marriage, Ann-Lorraine and Jim Nantz officially ended their relationship in court.

Jim had already started seeing someone else at that time, but the judge made it clear that this new relationship did not cause the divorce. Instead, the marriage had been struggling for years before the separation.

The divorce became one of the most talked-about in sports media, not because of scandal, but because of the large financial settlement that followed. People were surprised at the amount the court ordered Jim to pay, which showed how seriously long marriages are valued under the law.

The $916,000 a Year Divorce Settlement

The court’s decision gave Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz a very generous settlement. Jim Nantz was ordered to pay $72,000 every month in alimony — that’s $864,000 a year — until she either remarried or passed away. On top of that, he was told to pay $1,000 per week in child support for their daughter Caroline until she turned 23.

Ann-Lorraine also received their Westport mansion, a condo, and remained a beneficiary of Jim’s $3 million life insurance policy.

At the time, Jim’s net worth was around $15 million, so while the payments were high, he could afford them. Still, the numbers shocked many fans who didn’t realize how large celebrity divorce settlements could be.

Even after all of that, Lorrie never spoke publicly about the money or the divorce. She continued to live quietly, never giving interviews or making any statements about Jim or her private life.

Their Daughter Caroline Nantz

After the divorce, Caroline Nantz stayed close to her father, Jim. She was only 15 years old at the time, and her parents made sure to support her as best they could. Jim was often seen with Caroline at big sports events, including basketball and football games.

Caroline has kept a low profile, much like her mother. She isn’t very active in the public eye and avoids the spotlight. While some children of famous parents chase fame, Caroline seems to enjoy a quieter path.

There isn’t much public information about her career or what she’s doing now. But from the few photos and appearances, it’s clear that she and her father share a good bond. She is often seen smiling beside him, especially at events that matter to him.

Where Is Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz Now?

After the divorce, Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz completely stepped away from the public. She didn’t give interviews, didn’t speak to the media, and never shared her side of the story. She chose peace, privacy, and quiet.

It is believed that she now lives in Newport, Connecticut. The area is known for its calm and beautiful surroundings, perfect for someone who wants to live away from the noise. She hasn’t remarried and hasn’t been seen with any new partner since the divorce.

Lorrie’s decision to live privately has helped her stay away from drama or gossip. Many people respect her for not using her story for attention or money. Even after such a public split, she handled everything with quiet strength.

Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz and Philanthropy

While Ann-Lorraine avoids the spotlight, it’s been said that she still cares deeply about helping others. She has been involved in community service and philanthropic causes.

Even though we don’t see her at big charity events or on social media, those close to her say she continues to give back in private ways. Whether it’s through donations or quiet support, she likes to help without being noticed.

This fits perfectly with the life she’s chosen. No cameras, no interviews — just quiet kindness and peace. That’s who Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz has always been.

Did She Ever Remarry or Date Again?

Since her divorce in 2009, Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz has not remarried. There have been no public reports of her dating anyone new. She seems to be fully focused on her private life, her daughter, and her own happiness.

Some may wonder if she’ll ever return to public life, but the answer is probably no. Lorrie has always stayed away from fame, and she seems happiest that way. Her quiet lifestyle is a choice — one that she has kept for many years now.

Even though she was once part of the media world through Jim, she never enjoyed that life. And now, she gets to live the peaceful way she always wanted.

Jim Nantz’s New Life After the Divorce

Just one year after the divorce, Jim Nantz got engaged to Courtney Richards, a woman 21 years younger than him. Courtney worked at IMG, the company that represented Jim.

They got married in 2012 and had two children together — a daughter named Finley and a son named Jameson. Jim and Courtney now live in Nashville, Tennessee, where they enjoy a more public and active life.

Unlike Ann-Lorraine, Courtney often attends events with Jim. They travel, host charity events, and appear together on social media and in interviews. Jim has said he found a partner who shares his interests, especially his love for sports.

Final Thoughts

The story of Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz is not about fame, drama, or attention. It’s about grace, strength, and peace. She spent over two decades supporting her husband and raising their daughter. And when it ended, she quietly stepped away and started her own new chapter.

Even though her name made headlines during the divorce, she never chased fame or spoke publicly. She let the past go and focused on building a private life for herself. That takes courage.

Today, Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz remains a quiet, respected figure. Her story reminds us that not all heroes stand in the spotlight. Some choose peace, privacy, and purpose — and that’s more than enough.