Holly Rowe is dealing with a painful personal loss even as her name sits at the center of a messy college football moment.
Rowe, the longtime ESPN sideline reporter, was already pulled into a wave of attention after Texas’ comeback win over Ohio State last Saturday. The controversy started when Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian walked away from an on-field interview with Rowe, and internet users then turned that clip into a violent AI-generated video showing Sarkisian slapping her. The situation grew again on Monday when Texas quarterback Arch Manning was asked about fan edits, laughed during the press conference, and later apologized for his reaction.
Against that backdrop, Rowe shared heartbreaking news on Instagram: her mother has died. She wrote that her “beautiful Mother passed away peacefully” and described Diane Buck Rowe-Gandre as “elegant, smart, and strong.”
In the same message, she urged followers, “If your Mom is still living, give her a call or hug today.” Rowe also said the family “really thought we had more time” together.
The family later held a private graveside service. Rowe then posted again on X to honor her mother, saying, “We buried my beautiful Mother today.”
She added that the family “honored her with the things she loves most” and listed butterflies, purple colors, music, and Dr. Pepper as part of the service.
She closed with, “Love you, Momma. You raised an amazing family.”
Fans responded with messages of sympathy and support, including prayers, condolences, and notes of love for Rowe and her family.
It remains unknown whether Rowe plans to take time away.
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