When people hear the name June Baranco, they usually think of her as Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife. But June’s story is much more than that. She is an artist, a mother, and a woman who built her own life after a difficult divorce.
Personal Info
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
| Age | 77 years old (as of 2025) |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of TV journalist Bryant Gumbel |
| Children | Bradley Christopher Gumbel, Jillian Beth Gumbel |
| Profession | Artist, Designer |
| Marriage Duration | 1973 to 2001 (28 years) |
| Current Status | Living a private life |
Early Life and Background
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Louisiana. She grew up in a loving family where her father, Joseph, worked in the military, and her mother, Jeannie, took care of the home. From a young age, June loved art and creative things.
She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and attended other art schools to learn painting and design. This love for art stayed with her throughout her life.
How She Met Bryant Gumbel
In the early 1970s, June worked as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. During this time, she met Bryant Gumbel, a young journalist with big dreams. They connected quickly and started dating. Their relationship grew stronger over time.
Marriage and Family Life
On December 1, 1973, June and Bryant got married in Baton Rouge. After marriage, June left her flight attendant job to focus on building a home and supporting her husband’s growing career.
In 1982, Bryant became the co-host of NBC’s Today Show, making history as the first Black man to host this famous morning program. While Bryant became more famous, June worked hard to keep their family life stable.
Their Two Children
June and Bryant had two children together. Bradley Christopher Gumbel was born in 1978, and Jillian Beth Gumbel arrived in 1984. June was a devoted mother who focused on raising their children while Bryant traveled for work.
Today, Jillian works as a yoga instructor and life coach, and Bradley lives a quiet life away from the media. Both children remain close to their mother.
Problems in the Marriage
From the outside, June and Bryant looked like the perfect couple. But behind closed doors, things were difficult. June discovered that Bryant had relationships with other women during their marriage. She once said she felt like she had been “shot through the heart.”
Despite Bryant earning millions, he gave June only a small monthly allowance. She sometimes worried about having enough money for basic needs. June stayed in the marriage for many years, hoping things would improve, but the problems continued.
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The Divorce
In 1997, Bryant left June for his new girlfriend, Hilary Quinlan. After spending 26 years together, June had to start over. The divorce process took four years and was difficult and public. In August 2001, their divorce became official.
June received several properties in the settlement, including their Westchester home and a New York apartment. She handled the situation with dignity and didn’t speak badly about Bryant in public.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, June chose to live a quiet, private life. She didn’t remarry. Instead, she focused on herself, her art, and her children.
June returned to her first love: art. She started painting again, creating oil paintings, watercolors, and pastels. Her work includes portraits and emotional pieces. Art became her way of healing and expressing herself.
June also started a small business called Geaux Chapeaux, where she designs and makes beautiful handmade hats. The name comes from Louisiana, her home state.
Her Legacy Today
June Baranco’s story teaches us that life can change in unexpected ways, but we can still move forward. She is not just “Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife.” She is an artist, a businesswoman, and a strong mother who raised two wonderful children.
Many people admire June for her quiet strength. She didn’t try to become famous or use her connection to Bryant for attention. Instead, she chose peace, privacy, and personal growth.
Conclusion
June Baranco’s life is a story of strength and grace. She was married to a famous man for nearly 30 years, supporting his career while raising their children. When her marriage ended, she didn’t fall apart. She picked herself up and created a new life.
Today, June lives the way she wants. She creates art, spends time with her family, and enjoys her privacy. Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to start again. June Baranco may not be in the spotlight, but her life story is worth knowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is an American artist and designer. She is best known as the former wife of famous TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. They were married for 28 years before divorcing in 2001.
2. How many children does June Baranco have?
June has two children with Bryant Gumbel. Her son, Bradley Christopher Gumbel, was born in 1978. Her daughter, Jillian Beth Gumbel, was born in 1984. Both children are now adults.
3. What does June Baranco do for work?
June is a talented artist who works with oil paints, watercolors, and pastels. She also started her own hat-making business called Geaux Chapeaux, where she creates handmade hats.
4. Why did June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel divorce?
Their marriage ended because of problems including Bryant’s relationships with other women. After 26 years together, Bryant left June in 1997 for his current wife, Hilary Quinlan. The divorce was finalized in 2001.
5. Did June Baranco remarry after her divorce?
No, June Baranco did not remarry. She chose to live a quiet, private life focused on her art, her business, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
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