Ann-Lorraine “Lorrie” Carlsen Nantz is best known as the former wife of legendary CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz. Her story is defined by a 26-year marriage that began in high school, a highly publicized divorce, and her steadfast commitment to a private life away from the media spotlight.
Who Is Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz?
Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz is a private citizen who became a public figure through her marriage. Unlike many connected to celebrities, she has consistently avoided the spotlight, making confirmed details about her personal life limited.
- Full Name: Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz (often called Lorrie Nantz).
- Claim to Public Recognition: Former wife of CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz.
- Public Image: Described as deeply private, family-oriented, and humble.
- Key Relationship: Was high school sweethearts with Jim Nantz; married in 1983.
Early Life and Marriage to a Broadcasting Icon
The foundation of Lorrie’s story is her long-term partnership with Jim Nantz, which began far before his national fame.
- High School Beginnings: Their relationship started when they were teenagers, well before Jim Nantz’s career at CBS Sports.
- The Wedding: The couple married in a private ceremony in April 1983, early in Jim’s broadcasting journey.
- Family Life: They had one daughter together, Caroline Nantz, born in 1994. Friends and court accounts often described Lorrie as a devoted mother whose primary focus was their home and family in Connecticut.
- Life in the Background: For decades, she supported Jim’s rising career while maintaining a low profile, rarely attending high-profile industry events.
The Divorce: Details of a High-Profile Separation
After 26 years of marriage, the couple’s divorce in 2009 became major news, primarily due to the financial settlement. Court documents revealed a marriage that had gradually grown apart.
- Official Reason: The divorce was filed on grounds of “irreconcilable differences.” The presiding judge noted it was a classic case of a long-term marriage where the couple slowly grew apart, with no fault assigned to either party.
- Cited Factors: Testimony indicated a divergence in lifestyles; Jim Nantz’s career required constant social engagement, while Lorrie’s interests remained centered on private family life.
- The Settlement: The financial terms were substantial, based on the long duration of the marriage and Jim Nantz’s income at CBS. The goal was to allow Lorrie to maintain a lifestyle similar to that during the marriage.
Breakdown of the 2009 Divorce Settlement
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Alimony | $916,000 per year |
| Monthly Payment | $72,000 per month |
| Payment Terms | Payments continue until Jim Nantz’s death, Lorrie’s death, or her remarriage. |
| Child Support | $1,000 per week for daughter Caroline (until age 18 or graduation). |
| Property | Lorrie retained the family’s home in Westport, Connecticut. |
| Additional Provisions | Jim Nantz was required to maintain a life insurance policy with Lorrie as beneficiary and pay for Caroline’s college expenses. |
Life After Divorce: A Commitment to Privacy
Since the divorce, Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz has successfully returned to the private life she preferred.
- Residence: She is believed to live in Newport, Connecticut.
- Public Presence: She has no social media profiles and does not give interviews or make public appearances.
- Current Life: All available information suggests she lives a quiet, comfortable life focused on personal interests and family, entirely away from the media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is not publicly known. It is widely understood that her financial security stems from the long-term alimony awarded in the divorce settlement and her share of the marital assets.
Is Lorrie Nantz remarried?
No, there is no public information or evidence to suggest she has remarried. The terms of her alimony, which would cease upon remarriage, are a matter of public record.
How did Jim and Lorrie Nantz meet?
They met as high school sweethearts and began dating in their youth, long before Jim Nantz’s national broadcasting career took off.
Do Jim and Lorrie Nantz have a relationship today?
The nature of their current relationship is private. They are connected through their daughter, Caroline, but both have kept the details of their post-divorce interactions out of the public eye.
Why is the divorce settlement so famous?
The settlement drew significant attention due to the high annual alimony figure (nearly $1 million per year) and the public profile of Jim Nantz. It is often cited in discussions of high-profile celebrity divorces.
Conclusion:
Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz exemplifies a person who experienced life alongside immense fame yet chose to define herself by privacy and family. Her story is a reminder that not all figures in the public eye seek its glare, and a life away from it can be a deliberate and dignified choice.