Legendary college football host Lou Holtz is in hospice care, but he’s still with us. Holtz, who won a national championship with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has been fighting some battles on the health front, and is surrounded by loved ones as he remains in hospice.

However, some people online, as they tend to do, have made assumptions and jumped to conclusions, sending “RIP Lou Holtz” rumors.

I know he’s known more for Notre Dame but #forevertothee to Lou Holtz

RIP pic.twitter.com/fBcP5QqeO7

— Gordon Ellerson (@GordonEllerson) January 31, 2026

Now, coach Holtz’s family is pushing back against the false claims.

Coach Holtz’s family is having none of it

“Appreciate everyone’s text and prayers,” one of his sons, Skip, wrote on Twitter. “Dad is 89 and he is STILL fighting the fight. Only the man upstairs knows how much time is left on the clock. Cherishing the time we still have together in Orlando.”

“The Holtz family, Luanne Altenbaumer, Skip Holtz, Liz Holtz Messaglia, share the difficult news that our father, Coach Lou Holtz, is presently facing a health challenge. While this is a challenging time, our focus is on maintaining his comfort, quality of life and care in his Orlando home,” his other son, Kevin, said in a statement.

“As family has always been the highest importance to Coach, we are holding to each other and focusing on making every moment and day count. The whole family appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and support but ask for privacy as we navigate this journey.”

Hopefully, people give the Holtz family as much privacy and time as they need moving forward.