June Baranco is widely known as the former wife of Bryant Gumbel, the famous TV journalist, but her story is much richer and deeper than just this association. She is a creative soul, an artist, and a woman of quiet strength who chose to build her own life grounded in dignity and self-worth rather than being defined by someone else’s fame. While Bryant’s name became a household staple in sports and news broadcasting, June quietly crafted her own legacy through art, family, and resilience. Her journey reveals the power of living authentically and with intention, showing us all the strength that comes from standing firm in who you truly are.
Quick Bio
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Education | BFA from Louisiana State University; studied at Parsons School of Design, Art Students League of New York, Pierce College |
| Profession | Visual artist (oil, pastel, watercolor, woodcut), milliner (hat maker) |
| Spouse | Bryant Gumbel (married 1973, divorced 2001) |
| Children | Two – Bradley Christopher Gumbel, Jillian Beth Gumbel |
| Current Residence | New York City area (private life) |
| Public Presence | Private; no social media or publicity |
| Business | Founder of Geaux Chapeaux (handcrafted hats) |
| Art Memberships | Salmagundi Club, The Portrait Society of America, Artist Fellowship of New York |
Early Life and Background
Born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, June Carlyn Baranco grew up in a family that valued education, perseverance, and integrity. Though details about her early family life are scarce, what is clear is that June was a naturally creative child who loved to sketch, paint, and design clothes from a young age. She was a quiet observer of the world around her, always noticing details others might miss, which later shaped the emotional depth of her artwork. Raised in a Southern environment that encouraged both discipline and creativity, June developed the foundation for a life that blended resilience with artistry, even before she fully realized it.
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How Old Is June Baranco?
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, which makes her 77 years old as of 2025. Over the years, she has lived a full life, balancing her roles as an artist, mother, and businesswoman. Despite being in her late seventies, June continues to stay active in her art and creative projects while choosing to keep her personal life private and peaceful. Her age reflects decades of experience and wisdom, which shine through in her work and the quiet strength she shows.
Education and Artistic Training
June’s love for art led her to attend New York’s High School of Art and Design, where she first seriously explored her creative potential. After graduating, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University, which deepened her technical skills and understanding of art. But June’s pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there; she furthered her studies at prestigious institutions such as Parsons School of Design, The Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College in California.
Under the guidance of acclaimed artists like Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks, she honed a style rooted in realism and emotional expression. June’s artistic journey involved mastering multiple mediums, including oil paints, watercolors, pastels, and woodcut illustration, allowing her to tell stories with authenticity and sensitivity.
Marriage to Bryant Gumbel
In the late 1960s, June’s path crossed with Bryant Gumbel’s while she worked as a Delta flight attendant and Bryant was an aspiring journalist. Their connection was instant, and in 1973, they married, beginning a nearly 30-year partnership. As Bryant’s career skyrocketed, becoming a household name through shows like NBC’s Today and HBO’s Real Sports, June played the supportive role of wife and mother. She chose to step back from her own career ambitions to focus on raising their two children, Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth, and providing a stable home environment. Throughout this time, June remained in the background, quietly supporting Bryant’s demanding schedule while nurturing her family and holding on to her own creative spirit.
Who Is Bryant Gumbel?
Bryant Gumbel is a well-known American television journalist and sportscaster famous for his work on NBC’s Today show and HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Over his long career, he became a respected figure in broadcasting, known for his sharp interviews and thoughtful reporting. Bryant’s success brought him into the public eye, making him one of the most recognized faces in TV journalism. His high-profile career contrasted with the more private life of his former wife, June Baranco.
Challenges Within the Marriage
Despite outward appearances, June’s marriage faced significant challenges over the years. She endured emotional distance and discovered Bryant’s infidelities, a reality that deeply hurt her. June once described the pain as feeling like she had been “shot through the heart” upon finding love letters from other women. Financially, she was given only a modest allowance despite Bryant’s millionaire status, often relying on her own savings to maintain a sense of independence. These struggles painted a picture of a woman who sacrificed much but refused to lose her sense of dignity. Though June kept much of this pain private, it eventually led her to take a stand for herself and seek a new chapter away from the shadows of her husband’s fame.
Divorce and Legal Battle
In 2001, after almost three decades of marriage, June filed for divorce, citing repeated infidelity and emotional neglect. The split attracted public attention due to Bryant’s celebrity, but June handled the process with grace and composure. The legal battle was difficult, especially as Bryant attempted to transfer assets to avoid sharing them. However, the court ruled in June’s favor, awarding her half of their estate, which included a Westchester mansion and an Upper East Side apartment in New York. For June, this outcome was less about the money and more about reclaiming her self-respect and fairness after years of compromise. The divorce marked a turning point, allowing her to focus fully on her own life and passions once again.
June Baranco’s Kids
June Baranco has two children: a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Beth Gumbel. She raised them mostly away from the public eye, focusing on giving them a stable and loving home. Despite the challenges of being married to a famous TV personality, June made sure her children grew up with strong family values and support. Her role as a caring mother has been very important to her throughout her life.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, June intentionally stepped away from the public eye and chose to live a life focused on healing and creativity. She returned to her art, not to chase fame, but to express her emotions and experiences. June created portraits, landscapes, and woodcut illustrations, many with meaningful themes related to community and heritage. Notable projects included a woodcut for Boston’s African Meeting House and an art installation for North General Hospital in Harlem. She also provided illustrations for the Ohio Department of Social Services. These works were deeply personal and community-oriented, reflecting her desire to make a quiet but lasting impact beyond the spotlight.
Geaux Chapeaux and Entrepreneurship
In 2011, June found a new outlet for her creativity when she was shopping for a hat for her daughter’s wedding. Shocked by the high prices and lack of designs she liked, she made a hat herself. This experience inspired her to launch Geaux Chapeaux, a handcrafted hat brand that blends southern charm with vintage elegance. Each hat is meticulously made using vintage fabrics and trims that June has collected over the years, connecting her Louisiana heritage with a timeless style.
The brand name “Geaux” reflects the Cajun influence and playful spirit of the South. Geaux Chapeaux is not just a business but a continuation of June’s artistic legacy, where craftsmanship and culture come together in every piece.
Private Life and Mentorship
Since her divorce, June has chosen to live a quiet, private life, deliberately avoiding social media and publicity. She has never remarried, dedicating herself to family, art, and mentoring young artists. She is an active member of respected organizations such as the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York. Through these groups, she has led plein air painting workshops and offered guidance to emerging talents, sharing her skills and experience generously. June’s preference for privacy is not about shyness but about agency—making conscious choices to protect her peace and live authentically away from the glare of public scrutiny.
Legacy and Lessons
June Baranco’s life is a powerful example of resilience, grace, and self-respect. She teaches us that strength does not always roar; sometimes it is the quiet voice that refuses to be silenced. Her journey shows how one can recover from heartbreak and reclaim their identity by focusing on what truly matters: creativity, family, and inner peace. She did not chase headlines or public approval but instead built a life filled with meaning on her own terms. June’s legacy is a reminder that dignity, perseverance, and authenticity can be the greatest achievements of all, inspiring anyone facing challenges in a world that often demands spectacle.
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June Baranco Net Worth
Exact details about June Baranco’s net worth are not publicly disclosed. However, after her divorce settlement with Bryant Gumbel, she received significant assets, including valuable properties. Additionally, she has generated income through her art and her handcrafted hat business, Geaux Chapeaux. June’s wealth is likely a reflection of her long years of resilience, creativity, and prudent management of her life after divorce.
Conclusion
June Baranco’s life is a powerful example of strength, creativity, and quiet resilience. While many know her as the former wife of Bryant Gumbel, she has built a unique path grounded in art, family, and personal dignity. From her early days in Baton Rouge to her work as a talented painter and milliner, June has shown that true success comes from living authentically and with purpose. Her story reminds us that even away from the spotlight, it is possible to create a meaningful and fulfilling life by staying true to yourself and your passions.
FAQs About June Baranco
Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is a visual artist and the former wife of the famous TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. She is known for her creativity, resilience, and private life focused on art and family.
When was June Baranco born?
She was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
How many children does June Baranco have?
June has two children: a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Beth Gumbel.
What kind of art does June Baranco create?
June specializes in realism using oil, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut techniques. Her art often reflects emotional depth and portraiture.
Did June Baranco remarry after her divorce?
No, June chose to live a private and independent life after her divorce and has not remarried.
What is Geaux Chapeaux?
Geaux Chapeaux is June Baranco’s handcrafted hat brand, inspired by vintage styles and her Louisiana heritage.
Where does June Baranco live now?
She currently lives a private life in New York, focusing on her art and mentoring young artists.
