June Baranco Today: Where Is Bryant Gumbel’s Ex-Wife Now?

When people hear the name June Baranco, they often remember her as the first wife of famous TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. But there is so much more to June’s story. She is not just the ex-wife of a star. June is a woman who faced many challenges but stayed strong and graceful through it all.

In this article, we will explore who June Baranco is, how her life was during her marriage to Bryant Gumbel, and where she is today. If you have ever wondered what really happened to her or where she went after all the headlines, keep reading. This is a story of love, heartbreak, and strength.

June Baranco Quick Bio

Who Is June Baranco?

June Baranco is an American woman who became well-known because of her marriage to Bryant Gumbel. Bryant is a TV star who spent many years on shows like NBC’s Today and HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. While Bryant was always in the spotlight, June preferred to stay private.

She was born on June 22, 1948, in the United States. June came into the public eye in the 1970s when she married Bryant. But even with all the attention, she stayed quiet and focused on her family. Today, many people still wonder what happened to June after her marriage ended.

June Baranco’s Early Life

June grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Not much is known about her early childhood because she has always kept those details private. But we do know that June loved art and design from a young age. This love for creativity shaped who she was.

She attended the High School of Art and Design in New York City. Later, she continued to explore her passion at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). This shows that June was a talented and artistic person, even before she became known for her marriage.

Can you imagine how exciting it must have been for a young girl from Baton Rouge to study art in New York City? June seemed ready to build a bright future, but life had other plans.

How June Met Bryant Gumbel

June met Bryant Gumbel in the late 1960s. It happened during a summer vacation when June was visiting Chicago. She was still in high school, and Bryant was trying to find his way in life. At the time, he was unemployed and wore a broken pair of sneakers, but June saw something special in him.

They connected through a friend. That friend was dating Bryant’s brother, Greg Gumbel. June later shared that Bryant stood out because he was confident, smart, and full of charm. He was different from other boys she had met. That spark started a long relationship.

They spent the early years visiting each other. Even when Bryant moved to New York to chase his dream of becoming a sportswriter, June stayed in Louisiana. It was not easy, but they made it work. This long-distance love story showed how much they cared for each other in the beginning.

The Marriage Years

After dating for over a decade, June and Bryant got married on December 1, 1973. The wedding took place in Baton Rouge, surrounded by family and friends. June was working as a Delta flight attendant at the time, but soon she gave up her job to focus on family life.

Bryant’s career took off quickly. He got a job as a sportscaster and later became the first Black host of NBC’s Today show. June stood by him as he became more and more famous. From the outside, their life looked perfect. But behind closed doors, things were not always so easy.

June was the heart of their home. She raised their children and supported Bryant as he worked hard in TV. But as time went on, June’s own needs and dreams were often set aside. This was the start of challenges that would grow bigger over time.

June Baranco and Bryant’s Children

June and Bryant welcomed two children during their marriage. Their son, Bradley Christopher Gumbel, was born in 1978. A few years later, their daughter, Jillian Beth Gumbel, was born in 1983.

June was a devoted mother. She focused on raising her kids in a safe and loving home. The family lived in a beautiful area north of New York City. Even as Bryant’s career kept him busy, June made sure the children had stability.

Bradley and Jillian have chosen private lives, much like their mother. They are rarely seen in the public eye, and June’s care during their childhood helped shape them into the people they are today.

The Struggles in the Marriage

At first, June hoped for a happy life with Bryant. But soon after they married, she began to see signs of trouble. She found letters from other women — letters that showed Bryant was being unfaithful. Can you imagine the hurt she must have felt?

June later said that Bryant “shot me through the heart.” She tried to make the marriage work. She stayed because of her strong faith and her hope that things would get better. But the pain grew as Bryant’s affairs continued.

It wasn’t just the affairs. June also faced emotional struggles in the marriage. She felt alone at times, even while raising their children and supporting Bryant’s career. Still, she kept going, hoping for a change that never came.

The Divorce Story

After many years of trying to save her marriage, June Baranco finally made a hard choice. In 1997, Bryant Gumbel left June to be with another woman, Hilary Quinlan. June was heartbroken. After everything she had given to the marriage, this was the final blow.

The divorce process was long and painful. It lasted about four years. June spoke openly about how hard those times were. She shared that even though Bryant was earning a lot of money each month, she was given very little. In fact, she once said that her allowance was only $250 a month. Can you imagine how hard that must have been?

Finally, in August 2001, the divorce was settled. June received their beautiful Westchester estate and their Upper East Side apartment. Reports also say she was given about half of Bryant’s fortune, which was around $20 million at the time. June left the marriage with dignity, even after so much pain.

June Baranco’s Life After Divorce

After the divorce, June Baranco chose a quiet and peaceful life. She stepped away from the spotlight. Many people might have expected her to give interviews or stay in the public eye, but that’s not June. She preferred to focus on herself and her family.

There is no news of June ever remarrying. She stayed private, living life her own way. June didn’t chase fame or attention. She showed that sometimes, the best way to move on is to take care of your heart and live quietly.

Even today, many people respect June for how she handled everything. She stayed strong, kept her dignity, and built a life filled with peace.

Where Is June Baranco Today?

So, where is June Baranco today? The truth is, she continues to live a very private life. She is believed to still live in the United States, possibly in the same area where she raised her children. June enjoys a peaceful lifestyle, far from the cameras and headlines.

She stays out of the public eye and does not use social media. There are no public photos or posts from June in recent years. She seems happy focusing on what matters most to her — family, privacy, and peace of mind.

Many people still wonder about June Baranco today because she showed so much strength during tough times. Her story inspires others who go through similar struggles.

June Baranco’s Net Worth and Lifestyle

June Baranco does not share details about her net worth. But because of the divorce settlement, we know she is likely living comfortably. She received valuable property and a large part of Bryant’s fortune.

There is no sign that June started a new business or went back to a job. She probably chose to enjoy a peaceful life, using what she earned through the settlement. June never seemed focused on money. Instead, she focused on staying true to herself and keeping her life simple.

June’s Personal Traits and Style

When people think of June Baranco, they often remember her grace. She is about 5 feet 6 inches tall, with black hair and dark brown eyes. Even during hard times, she always appeared calm and stylish.

June is admired not just for her looks, but for how she carried herself. She stayed kind and respectful, even when things were difficult. Her quiet strength and classic style left a lasting impression on many.

Final Thoughts

June Baranco’s story is not about being famous. It is about staying strong in the face of heartbreak. Even though she was married to a well-known man, she built her own path with dignity.

Today, June is remembered as a woman who faced betrayal and pain but chose peace over drama. She reminds us that sometimes the strongest people are the ones who choose to walk away quietly and live life on their own terms.

(FAQs)

Who was Bryant Gumbel’s first wife?

Bryant Gumbel’s first wife was June Baranco. They were married for almost 28 years before divorcing in 2001 after his repeated affairs.

How old is June Baranco, and when is her birthday?

June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, which makes her 77 years old in 2025. Many are shocked to learn she lived through such a public split with such grace.

Where does June Baranco live today?

June Baranco lives a very private life, likely still in the United States, possibly at the estate she received in the divorce. No one knows for sure because she stays completely out of the spotlight!

What is June Baranco doing now?

June Baranco lives quietly and stays far away from the media and social platforms. She focused on peace and privacy after her painful divorce.

Did June Baranco remarry, and where are her children now?

No, June Baranco never remarried. Her two children, Bradley and Jillian, also live private lives, rarely seen in public. This surprises many who expected them to stay in the spotlight like their dad.