Who Is June Baranco? Biography of Bryant Gumbel’s Ex-Wife

When people hear the name Bryant Gumbel, they often think of the award-winning journalist and longtime television host. But behind the spotlight, there was once a woman whose story is both inspiring and quietly powerful—June Baranco. Known to many as Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife, June has lived a life that reflects creativity, resilience, and strength. While she values her privacy and avoids the media, her journey as an artist, mother, and woman of independence is worth telling. In this article, we will explore the complete life story of June Baranco, from her early years in Louisiana to her marriage, divorce, and life today.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: June Baranco
Date of Birth: June 22, 1948
Birthplace: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Parents: Joseph and Jeannie Baranco
Education: Louisiana State University, Fine Arts degree (1971)
Former Spouse: Bryant Gumbel (married 1973–2001)
Children: Bradley Christopher Gumbel and Jillian Beth Gumbel
Profession: Artist (private, not commercialized)
Known For: Ex-wife of journalist Bryant Gumbel
Current Life: Private, living away from public spotlight

Who Is June Baranco?

June Baranco is best recognized as the former wife of journalist Bryant Gumbel, but she is much more than that label. Born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she grew up in a vibrant Southern city known for its culture and history. She attended Louisiana State University, where she earned a degree in Fine Arts in 1971. This love for art has followed her throughout her life, shaping her personal identity even as she found herself in the public eye during her marriage. Despite being linked to a high-profile figure, June has chosen to remain private, focusing on her family and creative passions.

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Early Life and Education

June’s early life in Baton Rouge was filled with influences that would later inspire her creativity. Her father, Joseph Baranco, was a decorated soldier who earned two Purple Hearts, while her mother, Jeannie, nurtured the family at home. Surrounded by Louisiana’s rich traditions of food, music, and art, June found herself drawn to painting and drawing from a young age. Her natural talent led her to pursue a degree at Louisiana State University, where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1971. This educational foundation became the cornerstone of her lifelong love for artistic expression.

Meeting Bryant Gumbel: A Love Story Begins

June’s life changed in the late 1960s when she met a young Bryant Gumbel in Chicago. At the time, June was working as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, while Bryant was just beginning his career in journalism. Their meeting turned into a romance that quickly grew serious. They shared dreams, ambitions, and a strong connection that culminated in marriage. For June, this relationship would bring her into the public spotlight, but it also meant personal sacrifices as she dedicated herself to her husband’s rising career and their family life.

Marriage to Bryant Gumbel

On December 1, 1973, June and Bryant married in Baton Rouge in a quiet ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. The couple settled in Waccabuc, New York, a peaceful area north of New York City, where they raised their family. During the height of Bryant’s career as host of NBC’s Today show and later Real Sports, June stood by his side at events, often appearing in the background of his professional life. While Bryant’s career was public, June’s life was devoted to her family, her home, and her artistic interests.

Family Life and Children

June and Bryant welcomed two children together. Their son, Bradley Christopher Gumbel, was born in 1978, followed by their daughter, Jillian Beth Gumbel, in 1984. June placed her children at the center of her life, giving them as normal an upbringing as possible despite their father’s fame. She prioritized stability, raising them in their quiet New York home away from the cameras. Today, Jillian is a yoga instructor, married to William Russell Robins, and is a mother of two boys. Bradley has maintained a private life, much like his mother. For June, being a devoted mother remains one of her most defining roles.

Challenges Behind the Scenes

While their marriage looked picture-perfect to the public, behind the scenes, June faced struggles. Reports surfaced that Bryant was unfaithful throughout their marriage. June herself discovered letters from other women early on, which left her deeply hurt. For years, she stayed in the marriage, motivated by her faith, her love for her children, and the fear that divorce could damage Bryant’s career. Financial difficulties also played a role, as June reportedly lived on a modest monthly allowance, relying on her savings to get by. These challenges slowly eroded the foundation of their relationship, leading to their eventual split.

The Divorce: A Public Separation

After nearly three decades of marriage, June and Bryant’s union came to an end. They filed for divorce in 2000, and the case quickly attracted public attention due to Bryant’s celebrity status. The divorce was finalized in August 2001 after a long legal process that lasted almost four years. June cited infidelity and emotional strain as reasons for the breakup. The separation was painful but also marked a turning point in her life. For June, it meant an opportunity to reclaim her independence and rebuild on her own terms.

Divorce Settlement and Aftermath

The divorce settlement was significant. June received the couple’s Westchester estate, which she described as holding her “soul,” along with an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Reports estimate the financial settlement at between two and five million dollars, though some suggest she may have received up to half of Bryant’s estimated twenty million dollar fortune. Regardless of the exact figure, the settlement gave June financial security and the freedom to live independently. More importantly, it allowed her to close a difficult chapter and move forward with dignity.

Life After Divorce: Choosing Privacy

Since her divorce, June Baranco has chosen a path of privacy. Unlike many who might use a high-profile divorce as a platform for attention, June stepped back from the spotlight entirely. She has not remarried and avoids public interviews or appearances. While some sources suggest she may live in New York or California, her exact whereabouts remain unconfirmed. Instead of fame, June has focused on her children, her grandchildren, and her personal peace. Her choice to live quietly reflects her values and her strength.

June Baranco’s Passion for Art

Art has always been a core part of June’s identity. With her background in Fine Arts, she has continued to paint and create throughout her life. While she has not sought commercial recognition, it is believed that she works with mediums such as oil, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut. There are unconfirmed reports linking her to art societies such as The Pastel Society and The Portrait Society, as well as projects like a woodcut for Boston’s African Meeting House. Whether or not these details are verifiable, what is clear is that art has remained a deeply personal passion for her.

Entrepreneurial Rumors: Geaux Chapeaux

In addition to art, there have been rumors of June exploring entrepreneurial ventures. Some reports connect her with Geaux Chapeaux, a hat-making brand that specializes in vintage-inspired designs. It was even claimed that the brand’s hats gained recognition during the 2018 Royal Wedding, though no official confirmation exists. If true, this would highlight her creative side in another form of design. Whether or not she was directly involved, the rumors show how her love of creativity may extend beyond painting into fashion and business.

Why June Baranco’s Story Matters

June Baranco’s story is meaningful because it goes beyond her connection to a famous ex-husband. She represents resilience, dignity, and the strength of choosing privacy in a world that often demands exposure. She embraced her role as a mother, preserved her identity as an artist, and moved forward after a painful divorce with grace. Her life reminds us that true fulfillment does not always come from fame but from living authentically.

Conclusion

June Baranco may be known to many as Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife, but her story is her own. From her childhood in Baton Rouge to her years as a supportive wife, loving mother, and private individual, June has lived with dignity and quiet strength. She faced betrayal and hardship but built a new life centered on family, art, and peace. In a culture that often celebrates celebrity above all else, June’s decision to step away and live privately is both powerful and refreshing. Her journey offers lessons about resilience, independence, and the value of living on one’s own terms.

FAQs About June Baranco

Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is an artist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, best known as the ex-wife of journalist Bryant Gumbel.

When was June Baranco born?
She was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Did June Baranco go to college?
Yes, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Louisiana State University in 1971.

How long was June Baranco married to Bryant Gumbel?
She was married to him for 28 years, from 1973 until their divorce in 2001.

Does June Baranco have children?
Yes, she has two children, Bradley Christopher Gumbel and Jillian Beth Gumbel.

What does June Baranco do now?
June lives a private life, focusing on her family and her passion for art. She has chosen not to remain in the public eye.

Why is June Baranco’s story important?
Her story matters because it reflects strength, resilience, and the choice to live privately and authentically despite being linked to fame.