PRESS RELEASE
Andrews McMeel Syndication (AMS) has announced renowned cartoonist Caroline Cash as the new cartoonist for the legendary Nancy comic strip. After nearly a decade of creating the strip, Olivia Jaimes has retired. The new Nancy strips will debut January 1, 2026. Nancy classics (by previous Nancy creator Ernie Bushmiller) will run until that date.
In reviewing candidates to take over Nancy, AMS quickly discovered that Cash was more than up to the task. And Cash is no stranger to Nancy; in fact, she filled in as guest artist during a sabbatical Jaimes took in 2024.
“Nancy has been a comic strip staple for more than 100 years,” said Brent Bartram, AMS President. “She surged in popularity in recent years, as Jaimes’ revitalization of the strip brought national acclaim. The modern sensibility that Jaimes brought to the iconic character will no doubt thrive under the tutelage of the Ignatz and Eisner Award-winning Cash. We are confident that she will continue the tradition of the spirited whirlwind with her strong opinions, animated antics, and avoidance of work, among other things.”
“As a lifelong Nancy fan, I’m honored to be given the opportunity to draw my favorite comic strip,” said Cash. “This is a real dream come true, and I look forward to sharing what I’ve been working on with everyone. A huge congratulations to Olivia on a truly incredible Nancy run and I hope she enjoys her retirement.”
“Caroline is a brilliant cartoonist, and I’m thrilled to follow her take on this character we both love so much,” said Jaimes. “I’m stepping down with a heart full of gratitude for my readers and warmth for anyone who discovered Ernie Bushmiller’s work through the new Nancy. It’s been an honor, but it’s time to move on to the next season of my life. Like rebooting Mafalda. Or maybe Little Lulu.”
Aside from a brief pause in the early 1930s, Nancy has been running in print since 1922. It currently appears in more than 100 newspapers and is a favorite on the newly relaunched GoComics.com. The strip was started in 1922 by Larry Whittington, who wrote and drew the comic for United Feature Syndicate as Fritzi Ritz. Mr. Whittington left the strip in 1925, and Ernie Bushmiller’s long tenure as the strip’s creator began.
In 1933, Fritzi Ritz’s niece Nancy made her first appearance in the comic. Nancy was such a fan favorite that by 1938, the comic’s name was changed from Fritzi Ritz to Nancy to honor the shift in emphasis. Olivia Jaimes took over the strip in 2018.
About Andrews McMeel Universal
Andrews McMeel Universal is a global, independent and integrated media partner to creators of inspirational content, comics and illustrated humor. It distributes creator content through global syndication; book, calendar and greeting card publishing; digital consumer experiences; and entertainment licensing (andrewsmcmeel.com).
