Bob Barker, popularly known for hosting the CBS show The Price Is Right, passed away on Saturday, August 26, at the age of 99. In a statement released to Page Six, a representative from Barker’s team verified the unfortunate news.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived,” the announcement reads. “Bob Barker has left us.” Following his death, Nancy Burnet, Barker’s longtime partner, paid tribute to the beloved host whom she shared a four-decade relationship with.
Nancy Burnet and Bob Barker bonded over their mutual love for animals
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Burnet and Barker crossed paths for the first time in 1983, shortly after the death of his wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, at an animal adoption event. During that time, Barker was actively engaged in promoting animal rights—a passion Burnet shared, too— and this strengthened the bond between them.
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Following a series of turned-down invitations, they eventually rendezvoused in Los Angeles for their first date. The encounter was a remarkable success, prompting them to journey to Santa Barbara and Las Vegas, nurturing their growing bond. Subsequently, the pair commenced a romantic relationship, opting to keep their connection away from public attention.
Nancy Burnet pays tribute to him
While making a statement to Page Six about the legendary show host, Burnet was full of praise for his dedication to their mutual course. “I am so proud of the trailblazing work Barker and I did together to expose the cruelty to animals in the entertainment industry,” she admitted to the news outlet. “And including working to improve the plight of abused and exploited animals in the United States and internationally.”
The 79-year-old also stated that Barker’s death has left a vacuum in her life as they were together for a while. “We were great friends over these 40 years,” Burnet confessed to Page Six. “He will be missed.”