Late Bob Barker’s Partner Nancy Burnet Recalls Star’s Final Moments And Her Fondest Memories

Aug 28, 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 August 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 August 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 in Dec. 1923, the legendary host started out as a naval officer in the Second World War. He became interested in radio and moved to California to build a career in broadcasting. Barker started 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.”  

Working on this show proved to be record-breaking. 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. Jo Gideon Barker had died at 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 partner Nancy Burnet. 

He 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 for decades. 

Back in Dec. 2022, Burnet opened up about his health to Fox 5. She detailed how healthy he was as a 99-year-old. The animal rights advocate relayed that her partner only took medications for the thyroid. She stated that he “does not take anything for blood pressure, cholesterol. The umpteen other things that most people take as they grow older.” Burnet also told the media outlet that Barker’s health improved when he adopted a vegan meal replacement.

Speaking to Today, Burnet opened up on why she decided to lay low concerning their relationship and keep things private. This was because “people treat you differently when they know that there’s a celebrity involved.” The decision to never get married was mutual between Burnet and Barker. She stated that at the start of their relationship, she and the TV anchor agreed not to walk down the aisle again. 

Burnet noted that Baker would later change his mind. She told the publication that when he asked her to marry him, not many people were privy to the news, but she remained adamant about her decision never to get married again. 

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She stated that their love life lasted a long time and that their shared sense of humor and passion was the foundation. She relayed, “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 noted that 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. Speaking about his final moments, she recalled employing the best caregivers in Los Angeles. She added:

“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.” 

Burnet recalled how she stayed in touch with the nurses taking care of him, making sure he was getting the best care. She noted that Barker’s legacy will endure due to his good works in the animal rights sphere. She gushed about how he used to sign off on “The Price Is Right,” reminding viewers to “help control the pet population.” In a statement to Page Six, Burnet stated:

“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.”

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

Isn’t it inspiring that Bob Barker lived a long life making an impact in entertainment and in the animal rights movement? What are your fondest memories of his TV career? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to other Barker fans.