Lute Olson’s Wife Dies of Ovarian Cancer

Bobbi Olson, the wife of University of Arizona basketball Coach Lute Olson for 47 years, died Monday after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

Bobbi Olson, 65, who was diagnosed with cancer in 1998, died early Monday surrounded by her family.

Associate coach Jim Rosborough, who coached the Wildcats on Saturday after Olson took an indefinite leave of absence to spend time with his wife, said players and coaches are taking the news hard.

“The guys were very upset and very concerned and were hopeful that she hadn’t suffered and that Coach was doing well,” Rosborough said. “It’s a very difficult time.”

Bobbi Olson got to know the players from her involvement in recruiting and team travel, Rosborough said.

In a brief statement released by the university, Lute Olson thanked fans for respecting his family’s privacy throughout his wife’s illness.

Lute Olson did not attend No. 16 Arizona’s 75-74 loss to Mississippi State on Saturday night in the championship game of the Bank One Fiesta Bowl Classic.

His players paid tribute to Bobbi Olson when they took the floor with her name written on their basketball gear.

Olson also had missed a game earlier this season at Connecticut to spend time with his wife as she underwent treatment.

It’s not known when Olson will return to work.

“I wouldn’t even want to speculate,” Rosborough said. “Clearly, it’s a situation when he’s ready, everybody would want him back. But we haven’t discussed that yet.”

Bobbi Olson is survived by five children and 13 grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.