Bob Barker Brought Daisies Knelt at Wife’s Grave despite Poor Health — He Still Wears Her Ring Decades Later

Bob Barker, who anchored the country’s longest-running daytime game show, “The Price Is Right,” clocks 99 today. But that is not the only impressive detail about him. Barker’s romance with his high school sweetheart shows that love is powerful and long-lasting.

During his years as “The Price Is Right” anchor, Bob Barker intrigued his audience with his amiable tone, smile, and classic appearance. Additionally, he always left them with his unusual sign-off regarding controlling the pet population.

Barker, who is also passionate about animals as he was hosting game shows, had spent years on “Truth or Consequences” before moving to “The Price Is Right.” However, he loved nothing more than his wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon.

Bob Barker during the Mercy For Animals announcement at Millennium Biltmore Hotel on June 17, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The duo remained happily married for thirty-six years, creating many memories while proving that true love was not an onscreen myth.

Their love story began during their teenage years. They were classmates at Central High School, Springfield, and Barker asked Dorothy Jo to be his date for an Ella Fitzgerald concert.

It did not take long for them to fall in love, but even as teenagers, they understood that marrying was impossible until they were older. At 21, when Barker was on leave as a Navy pilot, he eloped with his high school love, and they married in St. Louis in 1945.

Bob Barker during CBS’ “The Price Is Right” celebrates Bob Barker’s 90th birthday at CBS Television City on November 5, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Following his time in the US Navy, the TV personality pursued a career in television after working in a local radio station for some years, with his wife as his sidekick.

Fortunately, in 1956, Ralph Edwards, the producer, and creator of the “Truth or Consequences” show hired him. Barker remained on the game show for about two decades before moving to “The Price Is Right,” where he gained heightened stardom and fandom.

Throughout this time with his wife, he never had a bad day or any regrets. The actor boldly expressed that their love for each other never changed. In his words:

“We fell in love as kids, and we stayed in love.”

Barker and Dorothy Jo’s Married Years

Indeed, the iconic couple remained inseparable, like two peas in a pod. They were supportive of each other, content and happy, and the fact that they had no kids did not bother them.

Bob Barker is pictured with his wife, Dorothy Jo Barker. | Source: Getty Images

Barker still wears her wedding band, inherited from her grandmother, on his left ring finger. He claimed he wore it in 1994 and was spotted with the same ring in 2013 and 2017.

Sadly, in 1981, Dorothy Jo, who had a smoking habit, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Following her diagnosis, she lived for only six months.

Losing his high school sweetheart was devastating; the heartbreak was too heavy to bear, and Barker slipped into depression for about two years.

Bob Barker and his wife Dorothy Jo (1924 – 1981) show off part of their extensive collection of military-themed ceramic figurines on November 4, 1977. | Source: Getty Images

The famous TV host admitted that work kept him going. He immersed himself in working as a Television host and animal activist. Barker was so intensely conscious of his activism that he turned down the offer for big shows in protest.

He retired as the host of the Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants in 1988 because of the organizer’s insistence on using a fur coat as one of the prizes.

Ten years later, he retired at “Dr.Quinn, Medicine Woman,” claiming that the show mistreated horses. Later, an investigation headed by an SPCA-LA supported the allegation.

Bob Barker during “The Price is Right” 34th Season Premiere – Taping at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images

Despite immersing himself in work, it did not change the fact that Barker still loved his wife. For years he carried on proudly like a married man still in awe of his new bride.

“The Price Is Right” host recalled many fulfilling experiences with his beloved partner and spoke highly of her in her absence. He never hoped to begin a new relationship or enter into another commitment with another woman because to him, “Dorothy Jo was the love of my life.”

Bob Barker arrives at the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards Gala at Millennium Biltmore Hotel on December 6, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Barker remembered how they started their lives; a 21-year-old groom prepared to be forever in love with his 20-year-old bride. In a somewhat hopeful and refreshing tone, Barker revealed that his pride was not in what they did not have but in their time together. He noted:

“She was with me all the time until she died. I had my marriage, and she was the love of my life. We didn’t have time for children. I don’t regret it, not when so many of my friends are having so much trouble with their children.”

Bob Barker Is Engaged but Will Never Forget His First Love

Barker celebrates his 99th birthday today as a healthy man with excellent weight/diet, and he has found love again with his fiancée, Nancy Burnet.

Bob Barker attends The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce & The Hollywood Sign Trust’s 90th Celebration of the Hollywood Sign at Drai’s Hollywood on September 19, 2013, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Like his first love story, it has endured for many years, and the couple is still waxing stronger. With Burnet by his side, he beat depression, skin cancer, prostate surgery, and a stroke. While speaking about her partner, 79-year-old Burnet said:

“He’s doing pretty well … he’s happy, he’s engaged. He’s just doing remarkably well for almost 99 years of age.”

The duo connected over their passion for animal activism while attending an animal adoption event in March 1983. Since then, they have shared ideas and created an impressive wildlife preserve known as Donkeyland.

Bob Barker attends the “Lion Ark” premiere at the Charles Aidikoff Screening Room on November 15, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Barker’s chemistry with Burnet and the life they have built is undeniably outstanding. However, the famous TV host still cherishes the memories of his deceased wife.

The former “The Price Is Right” host firmly established that he would never remarry, and shockingly, he carries a piece of his wife everywhere.

Barker still wears her wedding band, inherited from her grandmother, on his left ring finger. He claimed he wore it in 1994 and was spotted with the same ring in 2013 and 2017.

Bob Barker and Nancy Burnet attend the Animal Defenders International gala on October 13, 2012, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

The Washington native also extended his remembrance to visiting her graveside. In 2019, the retired TV host honored Dorothy Jo by marking the 36th anniversary of her death. He took a trip to her graveside at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, L.A with a bouquet of daisies.

Barker cleaned her grave, and reports confirmed that he collapsed in grief and spent twenty minutes at the site with a caretaker. Although friends and family were worried about him, he soon recovered. This was not the first time he would be helpless. However, Barker always found a way to get back up.

Bob Barker poses for photographers with Nancy Burnet, Director of United Activists for Animal Rights, after a hearing on the “Captive Elephant Accident Prevention Act of 1999” on Capitol Hill, June 13, 2000, in Washington. | Source: Getty Images

A few months before the graveside visit, he slipped in the bathroom of his mansion in Hollywood Hill, California. He was hospitalized but went home after a few hours. Also, in 2017, the TV legend fell on the sidewalk near his home, sustaining a knee injury, but soon, he healed.

Barker has proven to be the hero of his story, and amid his falls, grief, and health scares, he has bounced back. The former TV host chose to hold on to the beautiful memories he created with his only wife, inspiring younger generations to see that absence can truly make the heart grow fonder.

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