Let me tell you something about Bob Barker. The legendary game show host passed away at the age of 99 on August 26, but according to his girlfriend, Nancy Burnet, he was incredibly strong and living in a joyful environment right up until the end. In an exclusive interview with Closer, Burnet shared just how remarkable Barker's condition was during his final days.
You might think that at 99, a person would be frail and thin, but not Bob Barker. Burnet said, “Everyone who saw him was amazed by his physical condition. He wasn’t frail at all. In fact, he was sturdy and strong, with skin that looked great. It was as if time had forgotten to catch up with him.” That’s the kind of vitality that made Barker truly special, even in his later years.
Peaceful Departure: The Final Days of a Legend
In his final days, Bob Barker was described as peaceful and comfortable. Nancy Burnet, who first met Barker back in 1983 at an animal adoption event, had high hopes that he’d make it to his 100th birthday. But life has its own timeline, and Barker’s time came sooner than expected. Burnet was kept in the loop by a dedicated team of caregivers in Los Angeles who ensured Barker was well cared for every step of the way.
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“We found some truly amazing people to care for him,” Burnet said. “For almost five years, I was in constant communication with them about every detail of his day, from how he ate to how his hair was combed. I knew everything about his routine, and it gave me peace of mind knowing he was in such good hands.”
A Legacy Beyond the Stage
Bob Barker may be best known for hosting The Price Is Right for 35 years, but his legacy extends far beyond television. He was a passionate advocate for animal rights, using his platform to encourage viewers to spay or neuter their pets. Burnet believes this cause was close to Barker’s heart and something he felt deeply passionate about.
“Out of everything he accomplished, I think what mattered most to him was his work for animals,” Burnet reflected. “He used his name and influence to bring attention to their treatment. That’s the legacy he wanted to leave behind, and he made a real difference in that world.”
A Life Full of Joy and Song
Even in his later years, Barker found joy in the simplest things. Watching TV and singing with his caregivers brought him immense happiness. “He wasn’t really into singing or music, but they taught him ‘You Are My Sunshine,’ and he would sing it,” Burnet said. It’s moments like these that remind us of the warmth and humor Barker carried with him throughout his life.
After 40 years together, Burnet will miss Barker’s dry sense of humor and the energy he brought into her life. “When someone is gone, you feel that absence deeply,” she reflected. “It’s an emptiness that’s hard to describe. You miss having them there, their presence, their laughter.”
A Unique Relationship Built on Independence
Although Burnet and Barker were together for four decades, they never married. Burnet revealed that Barker proposed to her multiple times, but she simply didn’t have the desire to get married. Despite this, they cherished every moment they spent together. “Our relationship worked because we were both independent,” Burnet explained. “In a partnership, it’s important for both people to maintain their independence. When one person relies too heavily on the other, it creates imbalance.”
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Barker was previously married to Dorothy Jo Gideon from 1945 until her passing in 1981 due to lung cancer. Burnet, who now serves as the cotrustee of Barker’s estate, continues to honor his legacy through her work and memories.
