Bob Barker, a well-known showbiz legend, was a force to be reckoned with as a television game show presenter. He was most recognized for his work on “The Price Is Right” on CBS. Even though he ultimately retired, the legend’s commentating talent continues to have a significant effect on show business.
Without a question, Barker had a fantastic career, yet his professional accomplishments were not the only thing he was recognized for. During his career, the Hollywood star was quite passionate and loud about his love life.
For decades, he was blissfully married to Dorothy Jo Gideon. Barker was gone with his gorgeous wife when he wasn’t dishing out goodies to participants on the famous CBS game show.
Barker and Gideon married in 1945 and were married for 36 years despite the fact that they did not have kids since they did not have time for them.
Sadly, their lovely relationship was cut short by misfortune. Gideon died on October 19, 1981, at the age of 57, six months after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
It was a difficult period for Barker, who admitted that Gideon was constantly with him till her death. For the following few years, the former game show host would keep his late wife’s memories alive while rejecting the possibility of remarrying.
Barker has not remarried decades after Gideon’s death, but the legend is still in a loving relationship with his lifelong companion, Nancy Burnet.
Barker and Burnet’s relationship has lasted four decades, and it appears that they are becoming stronger with each passing day.
Barker and Burnet initially met in March 1983 at an animal adoption event. Being major animal lovers, it was simple for the two to connect right away.
They began dating soon after and have been together ever since. Barker and Burnet do not appear to be parting ways anytime soon, forty years later.
They’ve also made excellent use of their mutual passion for animals. DonkeyLand, a nearly 2000-acre rescue, refuge, and wildlife preserve aimed at safeguarding wild Burros and their ecosystems, is owned by the couple. Barker appears to be in a decent place despite having had a devastating loss in the past.
During an interview in August 2022, his girlfriend verified it. Burnet claims that he’s doing rather well.
He’s content, and he’s engaged. He’s doing incredibly well for someone over 99 years old.
After Burnet’s confession, netizens couldn’t be more happy for the retired “The Price Is Right” star, given his struggles, particularly his health. Barker has had several health problems in recent years, including a stroke, skin cancer, prostate surgery, and a partly blocked left carotid artery.
Barker has also fallen at home, resulting in stitches and head and knee injuries. Then, a few months after another fall in his Los Angeles home, the star was photographed in a wheelchair in Beverly Hills while being assisted into a vehicle in 2019. Fortunately, he has not been alone during these trying times in his life, as Burnet has always been by his side.
It is normal for one’s strength and endurance to decline as one gets older, and Barker is no exception. After many years in the entertainment world, his diminishing vigor and health issues forced him to retire in his 80s. Burnet once stated in an interview, that he had a lengthy career, and doing the act became quite demanding for him. That’s something that comes with being older; one just doesn’t have the stamina. He worked until he was 80 years old.
Barker developed a strong connection to “The Price Is High” after hosting the show for many years. Barker continued to watch the show even after he retired in 2007.
A friend stated of the legend that Barker loved the host, Drew Carey, and appreciated the show.
Sadly, Burnet stated in an August 2022 interview that her spouse had quit watching “The Price is Right.”
Some events in life, such as the loss of a loved one, can never be forgotten. Barker may be in a good relationship for a long period, but his sentimental bond to his late wife stays intact.
To mark the 36th anniversary of his late wife’s death, the former television host paid a visit to Gideon’s grave at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles in October 2017.
Pictures from the visit showed Barker, overtaken with emotion, clutching a big bunch of daisies. While a female caregiver held watch, the former “Truth or Consequences” presenter paid his respects to his Central High School sweetheart for 20 minutes. It was, indeed, a special moment for Barker.
It’s hardly surprising that Barker misses his late wife, given that their first trip was to an Ella Fitzgerald performance in Missouri when Barker was only 15 years old.
Barker left the Navy six years later and eloped with Gideon, finally going down the aisle. Unfortunately, they could not spend eternity together. Gideon, on the other hand, will always be a part of Barker’s life, and the latter will treasure their precious experiences.
While preserving Gideon’s legacy, he is aided by Burnet. Perhaps, their love will last the remainder of their life.
