June Baranco is an American visual artist, milliner, and entrepreneur who is best known as Bryant Gumbel’s former wife, yet her own story is one of creativity, resilience, and quiet strength; born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she built a career in art and handcrafted hats, married the famous television journalist in 1973, raised two children, endured a painful public divorce, and then chose a private life focused on painting, personal growth, and dignity, making her a fascinating figure for anyone who wants to understand the woman behind the headline and the lessons her journey offers about identity, independence, and starting over.
June Baranco Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
| Also Known As | June Gumbel |
| Born | June 22, 1948 |
| Age | 78 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Visual artist, milliner, entrepreneur |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Bryant Gumbel; artist; founder of Geaux Chapeaux |
| Spouse | Bryant Gumbel |
| Marriage | 1973 |
| Divorce | 2001 |
| Children | Bradley Christopher Gumbel (son), Jillian Beth Gumbel (daughter) |
| Business | Geaux Chapeaux (handcrafted hats) |
| Art Style | Oil painting, pastels, watercolors, woodcut prints |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Parents | Not widely public; father was a contractor |
| Current Life | Private life focused on art and family |
| Legacy | Quiet strength, creativity, independence, and resilience |
Early Life and Background
June Carlyn Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she grew up in a family that valued creativity, education, and discipline.
From a very young age, she showed a strong interest in drawing, painting, and design, often expressing herself through art before she could fully put her feelings into words. The rich Southern culture around her, full of tradition, community, and storytelling, played a major role in shaping her artistic voice and personal values. As a young woman, June was known for her independent spirit and her love for fashion and fine art, qualities that later helped her stay strong during both her marriage and her divorce.
Career as an Artist and Milliner
June Baranco built a meaningful career as a visual artist who worked with oil paints, pastels, watercolors, and woodcut prints, creating pieces known for their emotional depth and realistic style.
She received formal training at the High School of Art and Design in New York City and later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University. Her education continued at respected institutions like Parsons School of Design and the Art Students League of New York, where she refined her skills across multiple mediums. Beyond painting, June also became a skilled milliner and founded her own handcrafted hat business called Geaux Chapeaux, which allowed her to blend her artistic eye with wearable fashion. She is a member of prestigious art organizations including the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York.
Family Roots and Parents
June Baranco grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in a family that encouraged her creative talents from an early age.
While not much is publicly known about her parents, it is clear that her home environment provided both encouragement and structure during her formative years. Her father was a contractor in a small Black community, and the family did not have a lot of money at the beginning of June’s life. Despite modest beginnings, her family emphasized education and discipline, values that quietly guided her decisions throughout her life. These early experiences in the Deep South gave her a strong sense of self-reliance and emotional depth that would serve her well in the years ahead.
Meet June Baranco, Bryant Gumbel’s Former Wife?
June Baranco met Bryant Gumbel in the late 1960s through a friend who was dating Bryant’s brother, Greg.
At the time, she was only 16 or 17 years old and working as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, while Bryant was beginning his journalism career and had a “broken-down pair of sneakers”. Although they were both from Louisiana, they actually met in Chicago during Baranco’s summer vacation between high school and college. June noticed that Bryant was self-assured, quick-witted, well-spoken, and “so different” from the men she had previously dated, especially for his charisma and spark. Their relationship grew stronger over time, and they spent most of the early 1970s visiting each other before eventually marrying.
June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel’s Marriage
June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel married on December 1, 1973, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after dating for over a decade.
During their long marriage, Bryant became well known for hosting NBC’s “Today” show and later HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” while June focused on creating a stable home environment for their children. She supported her husband’s fast-growing career and managed daily responsibilities at home, even though her own artistic dreams sometimes had to wait. Behind the scenes, however, the marriage was not always easy, and June faced emotional pain and financial struggles, including receiving a very small allowance and having to use her own savings to care for the household. Despite these challenges, she continued to take care of her children and tried to keep her family stable for as long as possible.
How Many Children Do June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel Have?
June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel have two children together: a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Beth Gumbel.
Their first child, Bradley, was born in 1979, and their second child, Jillian, joined the family in 1983. One of the most important roles of June Baranco was being a mother, and she worked hard to provide a stable and loving home for both children while her husband’s career soared. During the divorce proceedings, June fought to protect her children’s well-being and even spoke publicly about Gumbel refusing to pay their teenage son Bradley’s telephone bill.
Why Did June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel Divorce?
June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel separated in 1997 after nearly 24 years of marriage, and their divorce was finalized in 2001, ending a bitter four-year dispute.
June accused Gumbel of being a “serial adulterer” after he became involved with Hilary Quinlan, a former researcher for Goldman Sachs. The divorce battle included charges that Gumbel had cheated with a series of mistresses, and June claimed she and her children had been reduced to “abject poverty” since he left their Westchester home for a $10 million Manhattan apartment. In the final settlement, June received the couple’s Upper East Side apartment and their plush Westchester estate, along with millions of dollars in a settlement that basically split Gumbel’s fortune down the middle. Gumbel later said he was “just happy to have my life back,” while June expressed relief but noted there were “good memories as well as bad”.
June Baranco’s Life After Divorce
After her divorce, June Baranco chose a path of peace and self-renewal, intentionally stepping away from public attention.
She returned to her art full-time, creating deeply personal pieces that reflected her emotional journey and her commitment to personal growth. June also continued to develop her hat business, Geaux Chapeaux, and remained active in the New York art community through her memberships in organizations like the Salmagundi Club. She decided to live a private life away from the spotlight, focusing on her creative work, her children, and her own well-being rather than seeking fame or public recognition. Today, she is admired for her dignity, independence, and the peaceful life she created after stepping away from the public eye.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
June Baranco’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but her financial standing is supported by her divorce settlement, her art income, and her business earnings from Geaux Chapeaux.
During the divorce, she received the couple’s Upper East Side apartment and their Westchester estate, along with millions of dollars in a settlement that reportedly split Bryant Gumbel’s fortune down the middle. Gumbel’s estimated worth at the time was around $20 million, and sources said June would receive a substantial portion of that amount. While she has never publicly discussed her finances, her decision to live privately and focus on her art suggests that she values creative fulfillment over material wealth. Her story shows that true wealth can also be measured in resilience, independence, and the ability to rebuild one’s life on one’s own terms.
Impact and Legacy
June Baranco’s legacy is one of quiet strength, artistic integrity, and personal dignity in the face of public and private challenges.
She is remembered not only as Bryant Gumbel’s first wife but also as a talented artist and entrepreneur who built her own career and identity separate from her famous marriage. Her journey through a difficult and very public divorce, followed by a deliberate return to her art and a private life, has inspired many people who face similar struggles. Through her work with Geaux Chapeaux and her memberships in respected art organizations, she has left a lasting mark on the creative community. Her life demonstrates that a person can endure heartbreak and public scrutiny while still choosing grace, creativity, and self-respect.
Lessons from Her Life
June Baranco’s life teaches us that personal identity should never be defined solely by a marriage or a famous partner, and that true fulfillment comes from staying true to your own passions.
Her ability to remain calm and dignified during a painful and very public divorce shows the power of quiet courage and emotional strength. She also reminds us that creativity can be a powerful tool for healing, as she returned to her art full-time after her marriage ended and found peace through her work. Her decision to step away from the spotlight and live privately is a lesson in the value of protecting one’s peace and prioritizing personal well-being over public attention. Finally, her story proves that it is never too late to rebuild your life and pursue your dreams, no matter what challenges you have faced.
Conclusion
June Baranco is far more than the former wife of a famous television journalist; she is an accomplished artist, a skilled milliner, a devoted mother, and a woman of remarkable resilience. From her early life in Baton Rouge to her years in New York’s art world, she built a career rooted in creativity and hard work. Her marriage to Bryant Gumbel brought both joy and heartbreak, but her decision to rebuild her life through art and privacy after their divorce shows her true character. Today, she lives quietly, creating art and inspiring others with her dignity, independence, and quiet strength. Her story is a powerful reminder that true success is not measured by fame or wealth but by the courage to stay true to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife?
Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife is June Baranco (also known as June Carlyn Baranco or June Gumbel). She is an American visual artist, milliner, and entrepreneur. They were married from December 1973 until their divorce was finalized in 2001.
Did Bryant and Greg Gumbel get along?
Yes, Bryant and his older brother, sportscaster Greg Gumbel, had a good relationship. While they had different personalities and styles, they were not rivals and spoke often. In fact, Bryant helped Greg get his start in broadcasting by informing him of an audition at a Chicago TV station in 1973. Greg Gumbel passed away in December 2024.
Who is Bryant Gumbel’s wife?
Bryant Gumbel is married to Hilary Quinlan. They wed on August 24, 2002, at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, in a small ceremony with about 25 guests. Hilary is a former Goldman Sachs analyst.
What is Bryant Gumbel doing now?
Bryant Gumbel is currently retired from full-time broadcasting. He retired in December 2023 after the conclusion of his long-running HBO show, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, which aired for 29 seasons. Since retiring, he has largely stayed out of the spotlight, spending time with family and playing golf. In October 2025, he was hospitalized for an undisclosed medical emergency but was reported to be okay.
Are Bryant Gumbel and Matt Lauer still friends?
Yes, Bryant Gumbel and Matt Lauer remain close friends. Gumbel has publicly called Lauer “a good man” and has said they speak “almost every day”. Their friendship dates back decades; Gumbel served as the best man at Lauer’s 1998 wedding, and Lauer later stood by Gumbel’s side when he married Hilary Quinlan.
Is Bryant Gumbel black or white?
Bryant Gumbel is Black (African American). He was born to Richard Dunbar Gumbel, a judge, and Rhea Alice Gumbel, a city clerk, and is of African-American heritage. He made history as the first African American co-host of NBC’s The Today Show.
