Garth Brooks Mourns Death Of His Beloved Publicist, Nancy Seltzer – Read His Tribute

Who Was Nancy Seltzer?

Nancy Seltzer, Garth Brooks‘ longtime publicist and friend, died on Wednesday (January 28), at the age of 79.

Seltzer, a New York native, began her career in her home state before moving to Los Angeles, the epicenter of the entertainment industry. Her firm, Nancy Seltzer & Associates, eventually established offices on both the West and East coasts.

In addition to Brooks, Seltzer worked with notable figures such as Sean Connery, Whitney Houston, Robert Downey Jr., Richard Burton, Bette Davis, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Annette Bening, and more.

Variety details how Seltzer had a hand in promoting many blockbuster movies, including When Harry Met Sally…, A Few Good Men, and Pirates of the Caribbean. She also represented the films Misery, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Shawshank Redemption, among others.

Additionally, Seltzer served as the head publicist on the Academy Awards‘ red carpet for several years.

“Ms. Seltzer was particularly known for her extraordinary trust,” her firm said in a statement quoted by Variety. “She created long lasting friendships with people from all over the world to whom she was also wonderful, kind, caring and fiercely loyal.“

Seltzer was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan and Anne Seltzer, and her brother, Norman Seltzer. Those who wish to honor Seltzer may make a donation to the Tower Cancer Research Foundation in her memory.

Nancy Seltzer, Veteran Publicist for Garth Brooks, Sean Connery and More, Dies at 79 https://t.co/SEiGhGXc1y

— Variety (@Variety) January 29, 2026

Garth Brooks Releases Statement About Nancy Seltzer’s Death

Garth Brooks shared the news about Nancy Seltzer’s passing in a statement posted on his official website. The statement pays tribute to Seltzer as someone who carried herself with “gravitas” and “grace.“

“Nancy Seltzer never sought the spotlight,” the statement on Brooks’ website reads. “While she was widely regarded as one of the most respected publicists in the business, her deepest instinct was to protect others rather than promote herself. Where others might publicly catalog accomplishments, Nancy always refrained. She even turned down opportunities to share stories about her clients after their passing, honoring the sanctity of trust.“

The statement continued, “She wore publicist black like a uniform and kept the focus exactly where she believed it belonged: on her clients. Her integrity was contagious. Her protective instincts were legendary — maternal, fierce, and unflinching.“

Brooks himself said, “Public relations is the hardest job in show business. She always handled every situation with the utmost class.”

The statement on Brooks’ website ended with the note, “Her absence will be deeply felt — not only for what she did, but for how she did it.“

Seltzer’s cause of death has not been released. However, the statement on Brooks’ website shared that she passed away following “a brief hospital stay.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved Nancy Seltzer. May she rest in peace.