The NASCAR community was met with heartbreaking news on Friday as Ned Jarrett, a two-time premier-series champion, legendary broadcaster, and member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame's second induction class, passed away at the age of 93.
Ned Jarrett cause of death
According to a statement released by his family through the racing organization, Jarrett passed away from natural causes at his home.
The Jarrett family’s statement read:
“With profound sadness, the family of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and radio/TV personality, Ned Jarrett, announces his passing on Thursday, June 4, 2026. He died peacefully of natural causes at his home in Newton, North Carolina, with his family by his side.
He was 93 years old. Our father was a devout Christian and a devoted, loving family man. He was a friend to everyone he met and NASCAR’s oldest living champion. By all accounts, he was a true NASCAR legend.
While we mourn his passing, we celebrate the remarkable life of an amazing man and truly the best father anyone could have wished for. Rest in Peace, Dad.”
Ned Jarrett family
Ned Jarrett, born on October 12, 1932, in Conover, North Carolina, was the son of Homer Keith Jarrett and Eoline Marie Jarrett. His father, Homer, worked as a sawmill owner.
{{/usCountry}}Ned Jarrett, born on October 12, 1932, in Conover, North Carolina, was the son of Homer Keith Jarrett and Eoline Marie Jarrett. His father, Homer, worked as a sawmill owner.
{{/usCountry}}Jarrett married Olene Rebecca Proctor on January 14, 1950, and the couple had a son, Glenn Ned Jarrett, before later divorcing sometime prior to 1956.
He remarried in 1956 to Martha Ruth Bowman, who remained his wife until her passing in 2023. They had two children together, Dale Jarrett and Patricia Dawn Jarrett.
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According to the organization, all three of Jarrett’s children — sons Dale Jarrett and Glenn, along with daughter Patti — have been connected to NASCAR.
Father-Son glory in NASCAR history
One of Ned Jarrett’s most memorable broadcasting moments came during the 1993 Daytona 500, when he openly showed excitement as his son, Dale Jarrett, held off Dale Earnhardt to secure the victory.
Dale later captured the Cup Series championship in 1999, making the Jarretts just the second father-son duo to win NASCAR titles, after Lee and Richard Petty, with Bill Elliott and Chase Elliott later joining that exclusive group.
Jarrett career highlights and achievements
Jarrett earned a place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 following a distinguished driving career that produced 50 victories at NASCAR’s highest level, including championship-winning seasons in 1961 and 1965.
He was among the five members inducted in the Hall’s second class and remains the holder of NASCAR’s record for the largest winning margin in a race.
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Known as “Gentleman Ned” for his calm and respected demeanor, Ned Jarrett was also widely recognized by younger NASCAR fans for his long broadcasting career.
He spent more than two decades with CBS, working as a pit reporter from 1979 to 1984 before transitioning into a color analyst role, which he held from 1984 until 2000.