June Baranco is most often known as the former wife of celebrated journalist Bryant Gumbel, but her life is richer, deeper, and filled with art, resilience, and quiet reinvention. In this piece, we explore the woman whose story has largely stayed hidden behind headlines and fame.
Quick Bio
| Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | June 22, 1948 |
| Age (2025) | 77 years old |
| Birthplace | Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (approx.) |
| Weight | ~58 kg (approx.) |
| Education | BFA, likely LSU + NY arts |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Bryant Gumbel |
| Children | 2 (Bradley & Jillian) |
| Profession | Artist, Entrepreneur |
| Business | Geaux Chapeaux (millinery) |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $5 million (approx.) |
| Social Media | Not publicly active |
Early Beginnings & Creative Roots
June Carlyn Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Louisiana, likely in Baton Rouge or New Orleans. As of 2025, she is 77 years old, a figure many accounts confirm. Standing at approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and with a graceful presence, she embodies the poise and inner strength that would become hallmarks of her life. Although weight is rarely documented in reliable sources, earlier accounts estimate around 58 kg, a detail that underscores her quiet elegance.
Family & Education
Much about her family background remains private, though her roots in Louisiana hint at a close-knit upbringing. She pursued higher education passionately—many reports mention she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, possibly from Louisiana State University, and further honed her artistic skills with study at Parsons School of Design, the Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College in California. Her creative spirit blossomed early and would shape much of her life.
Meeting Bryant Gumbel & Building a Family
June’s connection with Bryant Gumbel began in the late 1960s. That early spark matured into a deep relationship that led to marriage on December 1, 1973, in Baton Rouge. In the years that followed, the couple welcomed two children: Bradley Christopher Gumbel, born around 1978, and Jillian Beth Gumbel, born in February 1983.
Her Role at Home
June stepped back from her own career to support her family—Bryant was building an extraordinary broadcasting career around this time. She became a dedicated stay-at-home mother, nurturing their children with intentional love and care while Bryant’s public profile rose through NBC’s Today show, and later HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.
Tensions Beneath the Surface
Behind the scenes, June’s life was far from idyllic. She discovered affairs, finding letters and feeling emotionally betrayed. One source quotes her saying Bryant had “shot [her] through the heart,” capturing the pain she sustained. Despite his substantial income—reportedly around $600,000 a month at one point—June received a modest allowance and had to rely on her own savings even to cover basics.
Breaking Free & Divorce
Their separation began around March 2000, and the divorce was finalized on August 21, 2001, after approximately 28 years of marriage. The legal proceedings were difficult, but the court awarded June significant settlement, including their Westchester estate and half their shared assets, acknowledging her legal and moral right after years of sacrifice.
A New Chapter of Art & Craft
After the divorce, June intentionally stepped away from publicity. She reclaimed her creative life—returning to oil painting, watercolor, pastel, woodcut etching, and expressive portraiture. Her work found its way into community-based projects, including installations for a historic African Meeting House in Boston and commissions for New York institutions.
That creative path organically led to entrepreneurship. In 2011, she hand-crafted a hat for her daughter’s wedding and realized the market lacked affordable, elegant designs. Thus, Geaux Chapeaux was born—a millinery brand blending vintage charm, Southern tradition, and hand-crafted artistry, using fabrics and adornments June had been collecting for years.
Life in Privacy & Mentorship
June chose a private life—no social media presence, no TV interviews, no public spectacle. She found fulfillment mentoring young artists through organizations like the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York, leading plein air workshops and quietly sharing her gifts with the next generation.
Net Worth & Financial Life
While June’s exact net worth is not publicly audited, biographical estimates place it around $5 million, reflecting her divorce settlement and sustained income from her art and Geaux Chapeaux. More meaningful than financial figures is the dignity with which she managed her life—balancing financial independence with a return to personal passions.
Fun Facts & Physical Presence
June was born on June 22, 1948, and is now 77 years old as of 2025. She stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall. Her children, Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth, are now in their forties. She married in December 1973 and divorced in August 2001. She has no public social media presence. Her creative brand, Geaux Chapeaux, began with a handmade wedding hat. Her artistic expression includes oil, watercolor, pastel, and woodcut, often tied to community-oriented projects. She is known for her quiet strength, unwavering grace, and artistic depth.
Her Legacy of Quiet Power
June Baranco’s story isn’t about sensational headlines—it’s about quiet courage, self-respect, and creative rebirth. She reminds us that strength doesn’t have to be loud. It can be the still, steady rebuild after heartbreak. Her legacy is one of inner freedom and purposeful reinvention, showing that a life lived with intention and authenticity can be more powerful than fame.
Her imprint may not fill stadiums, but it endures—in the brush strokes of her paintings, the crafted lines of her hats, and the lives she’s quietly touched through mentorship and family. June’s life teaches that dignity, artistry, and compassion can be the truest markers of success.
In Summary
June Baranco lived decades in the shadows of public life and then reclaimed her story. She was a loving mother, an overlooked wife, and an artist thirsting for personal expression. Despite emotional hardship, she emerged with creative purpose and business savvy. Today, she stands as a grounded role model for anyone seeking to rebuild on their own terms.
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FAQs
Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is an American artist and entrepreneur best known as the former wife of journalist Bryant Gumbel. Beyond that, she’s an accomplished creative and a private figure who found her identity outside the spotlight.
How long was June Baranco married to Bryant Gumbel?
She was married to Bryant Gumbel for nearly 28 years, from December 1973 until their divorce in August 2001.
Does June Baranco have any children?
Yes, June and Bryant Gumbel share two children: a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Beth Gumbel.
What does June Baranco do now?
After her divorce, June returned to her artistic roots, working in painting and millinery. She runs a handcrafted hat business called Geaux Chapeaux and avoids public appearances.
Is June Baranco active on social media?
No, she chooses to live a quiet and private life and does not have any known public social media accounts.
