Beth Holtz, wife of Lou Holtz, passes away

Terrible news to share as Beth Holtz, Lou Holtz’s wife, has passed away. She was 83 and was married to Lou for 58 years.

Beth had been battling with throat cancer in recent years.

Most known for their time at Notre Dame, Lou and Beth made multiple stops in Columbia coaching for the Gamecocks, including the coach’s final head coaching position from 1999-2004. At South Carolina, Holtz helped turn around arguably the worst program in the Southeastern Conference, which eventually led to Steve Spurrier taking the program to its highest point during its time in the league.

Holtz also had a multi-year run at Arkansas.

Following the sad news, the couple’s son Skip, current head coach at Louisiana Tech, issued this tweet:

I lOVE THIS WOMAN! pic.twitter.com/Ho1WVkF9q6

— Skip Holtz (@CoachSHoltz) June 30, 2020

@NDFootball @CoachHoltz On behalf of every player who has ever played for the coach Holtz, we send our sincere sympathy and deepest regrets on the loss of Mrs. Holtz. Skip please tell your dad we all are here for him and are praying for peace for him and the family! God speed..

— Tim Brown (@81TimBrown) July 1, 2020

Coach used to always say: “My wife is saint. I don’t pray with her, I pray to her.” Beth was a wonderful example of grace and strength. Coach Holtz, Skip, and the entire Holtz family are in my prayers. https://t.co/IFaI1PxarV

— Erik Kimrey (@ErikKimrey) July 1, 2020

Prayers for Beth Holtz. #RIP Saint Beth and God Bless. @NDAlumni @NDFootball pic.twitter.com/fj6FXjO2UC

— Rick Mirer (@RickMirer) July 1, 2020