In December 2022, Bob Barker will turn 99, and despite all the difficulties he has faced, the former game show host has a lot to be grateful for. Recently, Barker’s longtime partner, Nancy Burnet, shared some interesting thoughts about her partner’s life today. Here are the details.
A famous entertainment icon, Bob Barker was a force to reckon with during his time as a television game show host. He was best known for his work on CBS’s “The Price Is Right.” Even though he eventually retired, the legend’s commentating talent still greatly impacts show business.
Undoubtedly, Barker enjoyed a stellar career, but his professional achievements were not the only things he was known for. The showbiz legend had a love life he was very proud of and vocal about throughout his years.
He was happily married to Dorothy Jo Gideon for decades. When Barker was not handing gifts to contestants on the hit CBS game show, he was away with his beautiful wife.
The lovebirds walked down the aisle in 1945, and even though they did not have kids because they did not have time for children, Barker and Gideon stayed married for 36 years.
Unfortunately, their beautiful union ended due to a tragedy. On October 19, 1981, Gideon died at 57, six months after she was diagnosed with lung cancer.
For Barker, being a host on “The Price Is High” for many years caused him to have a great attachment to the show. Over a decade after his 2007 retirement, Barker still occasionally tuned in.
The icon’s friend revealed to Closer Weekly that Barker liked the host, Drew Carey, and enjoyed the show.
But unfortunately, in the August 2022 interview with Closer Weekly, Burnet admitted that her partner had stopped watching “The Price is Right.” In her words:
“It’s different. It’s nothing like it was. So, it would be entirely different. He’d rather watch a movie or something now.”
A LOVE THAT NEVER DIES
In life, some incidents can never be forgotten, one of which is the death of a loved one. Barker may be in a long-time happy relationship, but his sentimental attachment to his late wife remains unchanged.
In October 2017, the former television presenter visited Gideon’s grave at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles to commemorate the 36th anniversary of his late wife’s death.
Pictures capturing the visit showed Barker, overcome with grief, holding onto a large bouquet of daisies. The former “Truth or Consequence” host paid respect to his Central High School sweetheart for 20 minutes while a female caretaker stood vigil. Indeed, it was a memorable occasion for Barker.
It is not surprising to see how much Barker misses his late wife, as their first outing dates back to when the entertainment legend was only 15 years old, at an Ella Fitzgerald concert in Missouri.
Six years later, Barker took a leave from the Navy and eloped with Gideon, eventually walking down the aisle. Sadly, they could not spend forever together. Nevertheless, Gideon will always be a part of Barker’s life, and the latter will always cherish their shared memories.
While he keeps Gideon’s legacy alive, he has Burnet by his side. Hopefully, their love remains intact for the rest of their lives.