June Baranco is best known as the former wife of famous TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. But her story goes far beyond just being married to a celebrity. She is an artist, a mother, and a woman who rebuilt her life with quiet strength after a difficult divorce. While Bryant Gumbel became a household name on television, June chose a different path, one focused on family, creativity, and personal dignity.
Detailed Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1948 |
| Age | 77 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Visual Artist, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Bryant Gumbel |
| Marriage Date | December 1, 1973 |
| Divorce Date | August 2001 |
| Children | Bradley Christopher Gumbel, Jillian Beth Gumbel |
| Education | Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Art Students League |
| Artistic Focus | Oil painting, watercolor, pastels, woodcut |
| Business | Geaux Chapeaux (handcrafted hat brand) |
Early Life and Background
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She grew up in a Southern family with strong values and close ties. Her father, Joseph, served in the military, while her mother, Jeannie, took care of the home. From a young age, June showed a love for art and creativity.
She attended the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, where she developed her artistic skills. Later, she studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, focusing on design. This early education laid the foundation for her creative work later in life.
Meeting Bryant Gumbel
In the late 1960s, June worked as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. It was an exciting job that let her travel and meet new people. During this time, she met Bryant Gumbel, a young journalist with big dreams. He was not yet famous, but he had talent and ambition.
They fell in love and married on December 1, 1973, in Baton Rouge. June was 25 years old. At the time, Bryant’s career was just starting to take off. Their marriage would last for nearly 28 years.
Life as Bryant Gumbel’s Wife
As Bryant’s career grew, June took on the role of a supportive wife and mother. When Bryant became the co-host of NBC’s “Today” show in 1982, making history as the first Black host, June stepped back from her own career. She decided to focus on raising their children and managing their home in Waccabuc, New York.
The couple had two children together. Their son, Bradley Christopher Gumbel, was born in 1978. Their daughter, Jillian Beth Gumbel, was born in 1984. June devoted herself to being a full-time mother while Bryant’s fame continued to rise.
From the outside, they seemed like the perfect family. Bryant earned millions of dollars as a TV host, and they lived in beautiful homes. But behind closed doors, things were not as happy as they appeared.
Struggles in the Marriage
June’s marriage faced serious problems over the years. She discovered that Bryant had been unfaithful. She found love letters from other women, which broke her heart. In interviews after the divorce, June said she felt like Bryant had “shot her through the heart”.
The emotional pain was made worse by financial struggles. Despite Bryant earning around $600,000 per month, June received only $250 per month as an allowance. She had to use her own savings to pay for basic needs. This situation left her feeling hurt and confused about how her husband could treat her this way.
June stayed in the marriage for many years, trying to keep the family together for her children. But the pain and betrayal became too much to bear.
The Divorce
In 1997, Bryant left June for another woman named Hilary Quinlan, who was much younger. This marked the end of their relationship. The divorce process was long and difficult, lasting four years.
Finally, in August 2001, their divorce became official. June received significant assets in the settlement, including their Westchester estate and an Upper East Side apartment. But the emotional cost of the divorce was high.
One of the most painful moments came when Bryant wanted equal access to their family home. June could not stand the thought of his new girlfriend sleeping in her bed or walking through the house that held memories of her children and her late father.
Interestingly, when Bryant married Hilary Quinlan in 2002, his son Bradley served as his best man. Both children attended the wedding, showing that they maintained relationships with both parents despite the divorce.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, June chose to live a private life away from the media spotlight. She did not remarry and instead focused on rebuilding herself through her art and creativity.
June returned to her first love, art. She works with different materials including oil paint, watercolor, pastels, and woodcut. Her artwork often features realistic portraits and emotional depth. She found healing and purpose through her creative expression.
June also started a business called Geaux Chapeaux, where she creates handcrafted hats inspired by vintage styles and her Louisiana roots. The name “Geaux” is a Louisiana way of spelling “go,” showing her connection to her home state.
Her Children Today
June’s daughter, Jillian, became a yoga instructor and life coach. She married William Russell Robins in November 2011, and they have two children together. Jillian’s career choice reflects the calm and centered values her mother taught her.
Bradley, June’s son, lives a private life away from the public eye. Both children seem to have learned from their mother’s example of choosing dignity and privacy over fame.
June’s Legacy
June Baranco’s story teaches us important lessons about strength and self-respect. She spent many years supporting her husband’s dreams, only to face betrayal and heartbreak. But instead of becoming bitter, she chose to rebuild her life with grace.
She represents many women of her generation who put their own dreams aside to support their families. When her marriage ended, she did not seek revenge or publicity. She simply moved forward, creating a new life centered on art, family, and personal peace.
June’s quiet strength is her greatest legacy. She proved that you do not need to be loud or famous to be powerful. Real strength comes from staying true to yourself and living with dignity, even when life becomes difficult.
Today, at 77 years old, June Baranco continues to live on her own terms. She may always be known as Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife, but her real identity is so much more. She is an artist, a mother, a survivor, and a woman who chose self-respect over everything else.
Conclusion
June Baranco’s life story is about quiet strength and new beginnings. Though known as Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife, she built her own path through art and family. After facing heartbreak, she chose dignity over bitterness. Today, June lives peacefully, creating art and enjoying time with her children and grandchildren. Her story reminds us that true strength doesn’t need fame. It comes from staying true to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is an artist and the former wife of TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. They were married from 1973 to 2001.
2. How many children does June Baranco have?
She has two children: Bradley Christopher Gumbel (born 1978) and Jillian Beth Gumbel (born 1984).
3. What does June Baranco do now?
June is a visual artist working with painting and watercolor. She also runs a handcrafted hat business called Geaux Chapeaux.
4. Did June Baranco remarry?
No, she has remained single since her divorce in 2001, focusing on her art and family.
5. How old is June Baranco?
June was born on June 22, 1948, making her 77 years old in 2025.
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