Greg Gumbel and his wife, Marcy Kaczynski, were married in 1973 and remained together until Greg’s passing in 2024.
Greg Gumbel was an American sportscaster known for his role as the studio host for CBS’s men’s college basketball coverage.
Tragically, he passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 78, after a courageous battle with cancer.
His family shared that Greg passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and said:
He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer, Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.
Greg is survived by his wife, Marcy Kaczynski, and their daughter, Michelle Gumbel.
Beautiful tribute to Greg Gumbel to open the CBS selection show. ♥️
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 16, 2025
Recently, Clark Kellogg, during CBS’s March Madness Selection Sunday show, paid a heartfelt tribute to Greg Gumbel.
Kellogg described how Gumbel had a positive impact on his life and said,
Forever changed in a positive and significant way because he was my colleague and friend sitting in that seat for over two decades.
The tribute also included other CBS colleagues like Adam Zucker, Jay Wright, and Seth Davis, who shared their memories of Gumbel.
The show opened with a video commemorating Gumbel’s contributions to CBS, highlighting his 25 years as the host of March Madness.
The studio crew wore Rolling Stones shirts as a nod to Gumbel’s love for the band, and the program began with the song “Start Me Up.”
Greg Gumbel And His Wife, Marcy Kaczynski, Had Been Together For 51 Years!
Greg Gumbel and Marcy Kaczynski, a former nurse and business manager, began their love story in Detroit in the late 1960s.
At the time, Greg was working in hospital supplies, and Marcy was a nurse.
Their bond grew stronger over time, and they eventually tied the knot in 1973. Together, they have a daughter named Michelle, born four years before marriage.
Marcy, born on April 3, 1949, supported Greg throughout his illustrious sports broadcasting career and illness.
Rest in peace 🌹🙏🎙️📺
— AFL Godfather 👓🏴☠️🔥 (@NFLMAVERICK) December 27, 2024
Greg Gumbel
May 3, 1946 – December 27, 2024
A true professional in his field. I liked his broadcasting style. May God comfort his family. pic.twitter.com/XxxSOb4wHH
After Greg’s passing in December 2024, Marcy has maintained a private life.
She has been described as a pillar of strength for their family, especially for their daughter, Michelle Gumbel.
Michelle, born on May 12, 1969, is not into sports and has largely stayed out of the public eye, choosing a private life away from the media spotlight.
She is likely in her mid-50s, i.e., 56 years as of 2025, and is happily married and raising her own family.
However, she shared a close bond with her father and has comforted her mother during the hard time.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Greg was born to parents Rhea Alice and Richard Dunbar Gumbel in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- He worked with major networks such as CBS, NBC, ESPN, and MSG and was a three-time Emmy Award winner.
- During Super Bowl XXXV in 2001, he made a history as the first African-American announcer to call play-by-play for a major sports championship.
