Bob Barker Lived By Himself In Final Years & Was Worth $70 Million, But There Won’t Be A Funeral Or Memorial Service For Him

Aug 31, 2023 by apost team

During his lifetime, TV icon Bob Barker was a force to reckon with in the world of TV anchoring and Hollywood as a whole. Barker’s pivotal influence in entertainment saw him popularize shows like “Truth or Consequences” and his most-recognized stint on “The Price Is Right.” His career spanned over six decades before his retirement. Barker passed away on Aug. 26, 2023, at 99.

After his demise, tributes poured in from stars in the entertainment sphere as many honored his exceptional life and times. On Aug. 28, 2023, Barker’s longtime girlfriend, Nancy Burnet, opened up about his final days while reminiscing about some of their fondest moments. 

Born Robert William Barker on Dec. 12, 1923, the legendary host started out as a naval officer in World War 2. He became interested in radio and moved to California to start a career in broadcasting. Barker began his radio show, “The Bob Barker Show,” in 1950. Six years later, he got his big break as an anchor for “Truth or Consequences.” Barker would go on to man the show for close to two decades before gaining more recognition with “The Price Is Right.”  

In 1990, “The Price Is Right” became the longest-running daytime game show. Barker also became the recipient of 19 Daytime Emmy Awards. Barker received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976 and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2004. 

The former “Miss Universe” host was married to Dorothy Jo Gideon from 1945 to 1981, which was when she sadly passed away. She died at the age of 57 after battling lung cancer. The couple, who had a common interest in animal rights, never had children together. Barker never remarried but had a long commitment with Burnet for the rest of his life. 

Barker and Burnet met in 1983, two years after Jo Gideon’s death, at an animal adoption event. Being passionate about the care of pets and wildlife helped the duo bond. In his 2009 autobiography, “Priceless Memories,” Barker detailed the events of how they first became acquainted. He had asked if she was single or married, and Burnet told him she was “winding up a divorce.” From there, the duo fostered a relationship that would last decades. 

She stated their love lasted a long time due to their shared sense of humor and passions. She told Today, “People have to have fun together. They sometimes forget that after they’ve been together for a while. But if they can keep that in their relationship, it’ll last a long time and get you over some really rough spots.”

Burnet added their relationship got better over the years due to “the work that was done.” By this, she referred to their animal activism. The duo rescued and took care of animals through Barker’s DJ&T Foundation. Nancy became the vice president of the foundation in 2000. 

She noted Barker’s legacy will endure due to his good works in the animal rights sphere and gushed about how he used to sign off on “The Price Is Right” by reminding viewers to “help control the pet population.” Burnet said:

“I am so proud of the trailblazing work Barker and I did together to expose the cruelty to animals in the entertainment industry and including working to improve the plight of abused and exploited animals in the United States and internationally.”

Burnet noted that for his 99th birthday in 2022, the star threw a small party to reflect on his simple life before he passed away from natural causes four months before his 100th birthday. 

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As it were, Barker intended to continue after his passing what he had passionately advocated for during his lifetime: care for animals. According to TMZ, Barker left much of his assets to more than 40 animal rights organizations, as well as military nonprofits. Some of the agencies include the DonkeyLand Rescue in Riverside, California, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and a bird conservatory. Naturally, he also left a significant sum to the United Activists for Animal Rights charity that he established in 1987 and which Burnet heads as president.

Barker’s estimated worth after more than five decades in showbiz stood at $70 million.

TMZ also revealed that Barker spent his last days taking it easy and laughing it up by binging some of his favorite television shows. The star’s longtime representative, Roger Neal, told the outlet Barker enjoyed watching reruns of the sitcom “Two and a Half Men,” which starred Charlie Sheen in the lead role before he was replaced by Ashton Kutcher in 2011. Even during his final days, Barker still retained his love of comedy and laughter. The outlet also claimed Barker was a fan of his “The Price is Right” replacement, Drew Carey, and would often watch new episodes every now and then. Carey replaced Barker as the host of the iconic show in 2007.

According to the outlet, Barker left Burnet in charge of much of his estate after his passing, after she took pains to ensure his every need was met round-the-clock in the past few years. Speaking about his final moments, she recalled employing the best caregivers in Los Angeles and said:

“Even in his final stages, he wasn’t that gaunt. You know, some people at that age are very gaunt and thin and frail. He was not.”

Despite his fame and legacy, a funeral service or memorial will not be held for Barker, as per his wishes. According to Neal, the television personality would be laid to rest Barker will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills next to his late wife, Jo Gideon. Barker lived alone at home in his final years and incited fears about his condition when emergency services were called to his home in October 2018 over a "non-emergency back problem" and in January 2019 after a fall. However, Burnet told Today that, “as a friend and companion,” she oversaw “every aspect of his health, of his care.” 

“I was in touch with the caregiver nurses every day, all day, and they checked in with me at night, if ever there was a problem and I was speaking with them until late … It was my pleasure to do it. To make sure that he was cared for in a way that everybody should be, frankly, but not everyone has that benefit that he did,” she added. 

Neal had announced Barker’s passing on Aug. 26, 2023, and called him the “World’s Greatest MC who ever lived.” Barker’s celebrity friends also paid tribute to the great showman, including “Wheel of Fortune” co-host Vanna White. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “When I moved to LA in 1980, I was on Price Is Right and met Bob Barker. Thank you Bob for introducing me to the game show world! We will miss you.”

Carey also posted:

“Very sad day for the Price Is Right family, and animal lovers all over the world. There hasn’t been a day on set that I didn’t think of Bob Barker and thank him. I will carry his memory in my heart forever.”

What do you make of Bob Barker not wanting a funeral or memorial service? Or his decision to leave so much to the organizations and charities close to his heart? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to fellow Barker fans, too!