A Life Full of Love: Bob Barker and Dorothy Jo Gideon
Let me tell you a story about Bob Barker, the legendary game show host who lit up our screens for decades. You know him from The Price Is Right, but there's so much more to his life that's worth exploring. Bob and his late wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, were together for an incredible 36 years. They built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared memories. But here's the thing—they never had children. Now, you might think that sounds strange, but hear him out. "We didn’t have time for children," Bob once said in a 2007 interview with Esquire. "I don’t regret it, not when so many of my friends are having so much trouble with their kids." Instead, Bob poured his energy into raising 13 ducks, which he described as "a lot of work." And let's be honest, ducks are pretty great, right?
The Heartbreaking Loss of Dorothy
In 1981, Bob's world changed forever when Dorothy passed away at just 57 years old after being diagnosed with lung cancer only six months earlier. Losing someone you love is never easy, but Bob carried her memory with him every day. "I was married at 21; Dorothy Jo was 20. She was with me all the time until she died," Bob shared in a heartfelt moment. "For some men, maybe a second or third marriage would work out fine. In my case, I had my marriage, and she was the love of my life." That says it all, doesn't it? Their love story was one for the ages.
A Mid-Century Romance
Bob and Dorothy’s love story began long before they tied the knot. They met at an Ella Fitzgerald concert in the mid-1930s, and let me tell you, that's how you know it's fate. Fast forward to 1945, and the couple eloped while Bob was on leave from the U.S. Navy. Can you picture it? Two young lovers saying "I do" during a time of war—it’s romantic, isn't it? For over three decades, they were each other's rock, building a life together that many could only dream of.
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Facing Life's Challenges with Grace
After losing Dorothy and retiring from The Price Is Right in 2007, Bob faced his own set of challenges. Health issues crept in, including two strokes and several bad falls. But Bob, being Bob, didn't let any of that slow him down. With the help of his caregivers, he stayed active and engaged. "He’s not that mobile but can get around with assistance in his wheelchair," a close source told Closer Weekly. And even though he wasn't hosting anymore, Bob remained a devoted fan of the show he helped make famous. "He likes Drew Carey and enjoys the show," the source added. "He’s a fan." That’s the kind of guy Bob was—always supportive, always watching.
What Made The Price Is Right So Special?
When celebrating the show's 60th anniversary in 2016, Bob opened up about what made it so successful. "People always like to win prizes," he said with a smile. "And they can win them without knowing who discovered America or anything in the way of history." It’s simple, really. Contestants just needed a little luck on their side to walk away winners. That’s why audiences kept tuning in year after year.
A Remarkable Legacy
As Bob approached his 99th birthday in August 2022, his girlfriend Nancy Burnet spoke fondly of his spirit. "He’s doing pretty well... he’s happy, he’s engaged," Nancy told Closer Weekly. "He’s just doing remarkably well for almost 99 years of age." Unfortunately, Bob didn’t make it to his 100th birthday. He passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home on August 26, 2023, at the age of 99. But his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created.
