You know that voice. The one that tells you it’s "a tradition unlike any other" every April. Jim Nantz is basically the soundtrack to American sports, but back in 2009, the man who usually keeps it cool under the Masters' green jacket was sweating in a Bridgeport, Connecticut courtroom. At the center of it all was Ann Lorraine Carlsen Nantz, his wife of 26 years.
People love to talk about the money. They talk about the alimony. They talk about the "messy" headlines. But honestly, if you look at the actual court records and the history of their marriage, the story of Ann Lorraine Carlsen Nantz—often called "Lorrie" by those who know her—is a lot more nuanced than just a high-priced divorce settlement.
The Reality of the 26-Year Marriage
Jim and Lorrie got married way back in 1983. This wasn't some flash-in-the-pan celebrity romance. They were together before Jim became the household name he is today. They built a life in Westport, Connecticut, and for over two decades, Lorrie was the person behind the scenes while Jim was traveling the world calling the Final Four and NFL games.
They had one daughter together, Caroline, born in 1994.
For years, it seemed like the perfect setup. But as any expert in family law or high-profile relationships will tell you, the "prolonged absences" required by a top-tier broadcasting career take a massive toll. By the time they hit the courtroom in 2009, things weren't just "broken"—they were completely dismantled.
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The Alimony Settlement That Shook the Sports World
When the divorce was finalized in November 2009, the numbers were staggering. Judge Howard Owens ordered Jim Nantz to pay Ann Lorraine Carlsen Nantz $916,000 a year in alimony and child support.
Let’s break down why that happened, because it wasn't just a random "gotcha" moment.
- The Lifestyle Standard: In Connecticut law, the court looks at the "standard of living" established during the marriage.
- The Spending: During the trial, Jim actually testified about Lorrie’s spending habits, including $1 million at a jewelry store over nine years.
- The Assets: She kept their primary home in Connecticut and a $70,000 country club membership.
It’s easy to look at $72,000 a month in alimony and think it’s excessive. But the judge noted that Jim was earning roughly $7 million a year at the time. When you’ve been a corporate spouse for 26 years, contributing to the "brand" while the other person is on the road 40 weeks a year, the court views that as a partnership.
Why the "Cheating" Scandal Didn't Change the Outcome
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Ann Lorraine Carlsen Nantz divorce is that it was all about Jim’s new girlfriend. Jim admitted he started dating Courtney Richards (who is now his wife) before the divorce was final.
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However, Judge Owens was very clear: the marriage had "deteriorated years earlier." He ruled that Jim’s new relationship "in no way contributed to the breakdown of the marriage." Basically, the fire was already out; Jim just found a new match before the ashes were officially cleared away.
Where is Ann Lorraine Carlsen Nantz Now?
Since the dust settled in 2009, Lorrie has stayed almost entirely out of the spotlight. She didn't write a "tell-all" book. She didn't go on a press tour to bash her ex-husband. She chose privacy.
Their daughter, Caroline Nantz Delaney, has since grown up, graduated from USC, and built a successful career in the media and corporate world. She even married Andy Delaney in 2023. Interestingly, despite the "ugly" nature of the 2009 trial, the family seems to have found a functional rhythm. Caroline is often seen with her father and his new family at major sporting events.
Key Lessons from the Nantz Divorce
If there's anything to learn from the saga of Ann Lorraine Carlsen Nantz, it’s that the "public" version of a celebrity breakup is usually just the tip of the iceberg.
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- Longevity matters in court: A 26-year marriage is viewed very differently than a 5-year marriage when it comes to asset division.
- Spending habits are evidence: Your credit card statements from five years ago can and will be used against you in a "fault" vs "no-fault" argument.
- Privacy is a choice: Lorrie’s decision to remain private post-divorce is likely why she isn't a tabloid fixture today.
If you’re researching this because you’re interested in the legalities of high-net-worth divorces, focus on the "standard of living" clauses in Connecticut law. That is the real reason the settlement was so high—it wasn't about "punishment," it was about maintaining the status quo for a spouse who spent a quarter-century supporting a global career.
Check the local Connecticut Superior Court archives if you want the dry, legal specifics of the Bridgeport ruling. Otherwise, the story remains a classic example of how "the voice of sports" had to navigate a very loud, very public personal crisis.
Next Steps for Research:
- Examine the Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-82 to understand how alimony is calculated in long-term marriages.
- Look into the Nantz National Alzheimer Center, which Jim founded in honor of his father; it provides context on the family's philanthropic focus during the final years of the marriage.