Was Bob Barker Married? Who Was Bob Barker Married To?
by Jayasree D
Updated Sep 02, 2023
Was Bob Barker Married?
Yes, Bob Barker was married. He married Dorothy Jo Gideon in 1949 when he was 19 years old, and she was 18. Their love story began when they were teenagers, meeting at a school in 1945. Their marriage endured for over three decades, characterized by a strong and genuine bond built on love and mutual respect.
Tragically, at the age of 57, Dorothy Jo Gideon passed away in 1981 due to lung cancer, marking the end of their long and loving marriage. Bob Barker's marriage to Dorothy Jo was a significant part of his life, and her loss had a profound impact on him. While Bob Barker is best known as the iconic host of "The Price Is Right" and for his advocacy for animal rights, his marriage to Dorothy Jo was a significant chapter in his personal history, illustrating the depth of their connection and the enduring love they shared.
Who was Bob Barker Married to?
Bob Barker was married to Dorothy Jo Gideon. They first crossed paths in 1945 when Bob was 15 years old, and Dorothy Jo was 14. Their youthful connection blossomed into a deep and enduring love, culminating in their marriage in 1949 when Bob was 19 and Dorothy Jo was 18. Their marriage was marked by genuine affection and mutual respect, standing strong for over three decades.
Tragically, their marriage came to an end in 1981 when Dorothy Jo Gideon succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 57. This loss had a profound impact on Bob Barker. Following Dorothy Jo's passing, Bob entered into a long-term relationship with Nancy Burnet, who was an animal rights activist and nearly 20 years younger than him. Throughout his life, Bob Barker was not only a renowned television personality but also someone who cherished his marriage to Dorothy Jo and later found companionship in a new chapter of his life with Nancy Burnet.
Who was Bob Barker?
Bob Barker, whose full name is Robert William Barker, was a prominent American television game show host known for his legendary career. He was born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, and sadly passed away on August 26, 2023, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 99.
Bob Barker is best known for hosting CBS's "The Price Is Right," a renowned game show that holds the distinction of being the longest-running game show in North American television history. His tenure on the show spanned from 1972 to 2007, making him a beloved figure in the world of television.
Bob Barker's life journey began in modest circumstances, and he spent his early years on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, eventually becoming a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy Reserve.
After the war, he attended college and worked part-time in radio. In 1950, he moved to California to pursue a broadcasting career, where he started his own radio show called "The Bob Barker Show." His game show hosting career took off in 1956 when he began hosting "Truth or Consequences."
Beyond his television career, Bob Barker became a notable advocate for animal rights and animal rights activism. He supported various organizations, including the United Activists for Animal Rights, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
In 2007, after celebrating his remarkable 50-year career on television, Bob Barker retired from hosting "The Price Is Right." He remained a pop culture icon and continued to make occasional appearances for several years into his retirement until 2015, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment and animal welfare advocacy.
Full Name
Robert William Barker
Date of Birth
December 12, 1923
Place of Birth
Darrington, Washington, U.S.
Date of Death
August 26, 2023
Place of Death
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Citizenship
United States, Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Education
Drury University (BA)
Occupations
Television Personality, Game Show Host, Animal Rights Advocate
Years Active
1950–2007, 2009–2015
Notable Television Shows
The Price Is Right, Truth or Consequences, Miss Universe
Spouse
Dorothy Jo Gideon (married in 1945, until her death in 1981)
Age
99 Years Old
Bob Barker Age
Bob Barker's age is a significant aspect of his life story. He was born Robert William Barker on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, USA. Tragically, he passed away on August 26, 2023, in Los Angeles, California, at the remarkable age of 99.
Throughout his nearly century-long life, Bob Barker achieved remarkable success and became a beloved figure in American culture. His career as a television game show host, notably on "The Price Is Right" and "Truth or Consequences," spanned several decades, and he left an enduring legacy in the entertainment industry. His longevity allowed him to make significant contributions to both television and animal rights activism, earning him a special place in the hearts of many. Barker's remarkable journey from his humble beginnings to his influential and lengthy career is a testament to his resilience and passion for his work and causes.
Bob Barker Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Bob Barker possessed an impressive net worth of $70 million. This substantial wealth can be attributed primarily to his nearly half-century-long tenure as the host of the iconic game show "The Price Is Right." Throughout his career, Barker not only became a household name but also negotiated lucrative contracts, significantly contributing to his net worth.
It's worth noting that while $70 million is indeed substantial, some might speculate that his net worth could have been even higher, given his extended and immensely successful career. Nonetheless, Bob Barker's financial achievements were a testament to his enduring popularity and talent in the world of television, making him not only a beloved figure but also a financially accomplished one. His legacy as a game show host and advocate for animal rights continues to be celebrated and remembered by fans and admirers worldwide.
Bob Barker Kids
Bob Barker and his wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, made a deliberate choice not to have children during their marriage, instead focusing on their burgeoning careers. This decision was rooted in their commitment to their respective professions and lifestyles. Even after Dorothy Jo's passing in 1981, Bob Barker remained childless, as he believed he was too preoccupied with his busy career to provide proper care and attention to a child. This stance continued into the late 2000s, with Barker expressing no regrets about not having children.
In the later years of his life, particularly from the late 2000s onward, Bob Barker's relationship with his long-term partner Nancy Burnet evolved into a platonic friendship. Despite his interest in remarrying, Burnet described their connection as purely friendly. There was even an incident in 2011 when Barker drafted a prenuptial agreement, indicating his intention to remarry, which Burnet declined. Instead, Burnet focused on managing Barker's health and diet during his retirement years, emphasizing the unique nature of their companionship. Ultimately, Bob Barker's choice not to have children remained consistent throughout his life, and he found different forms of fulfillment in his career and relationships.
Bob Barker Early Life
Bob Barker's early life was marked by a unique blend of experiences and cultural influences. He was born in Darrington, Washington, and his formative years were spent on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. Fascinatingly, the U.S. Indian Census Rolls from 1885 to 1940 listed Bob Barker as a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. His mother, Matilda Valandra, was a school teacher, while his father, Byron John Barker, worked as a foreman on an electrical high line in Washington. Due to his father's heritage, Bob Barker was one-eighth Sioux, and he held deep pride in his Native American heritage, particularly admiring the Sioux people as great warriors.
Barker's journey took an interesting turn when he met his future wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, at an Ella Fitzgerald concert during his high school years in Missouri. Their relationship began when he was just 15 years old. Barker pursued higher education at Drury College (now Drury University) in Springfield, Missouri, where he attended on a basketball athletic scholarship. He was an active member of the Epsilon Beta chapter of the Sigma Nu fraternity. World War II saw him join the United States Navy Reserve in 1943 with aspirations of becoming a fighter pilot, although he did not see combat. Notably, on January 12, 1945, during a military leave, Bob Barker married Dorothy Jo, marking a significant chapter in his personal life. After the war, he returned to Drury to complete his education, ultimately graduating summa cum laude with a degree in economics. These early experiences and educational pursuits laid the foundation for his future success as a television personality and game show host.
Who is Dorothy Jo Gideon?
Dorothy Jo Gideon, born on February 25, 1924, in Springfield, Missouri, USA, is most notably recognized for her marriage to the renowned television personality Bob Barker. The couple tied the knot on January 12, 1945, marking the beginning of their lifelong companionship. Unfortunately, Dorothy Jo's life was tragically cut short when she passed away on October 19, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, USA, after battling lung cancer.
Dorothy Jo Gideon's personal life was deeply intertwined with her marriage to Bob Barker, and they chose not to have children during their union. While her name may be less widely recognized than her famous husband's, her role as his life partner undoubtedly played a significant part in his journey. Her untimely death due to lung cancer marked a poignant moment in their relationship and left a lasting impact on Bob Barker. Dorothy Jo Gideon's legacy lives on through her connection to one of television's most iconic figures and her role in shaping the life of the beloved game show host
Was Bob Barker Marrie-FAQs
Yes, Bob Barker was married to Dorothy Jo Gideon from 1949 until her passing in 1981.
Bob Barker's spouse was Dorothy Jo Gideon.
No, Bob Barker and Dorothy Jo chose not to have children during their marriage.
Bob Barker was born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, USA.
Bob Barker passed away on August 26, 2023, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 99.