Who Is June Baranco? All About Bryant Gumbel’s Ex-Wife

June Baranco may not be a household name, but her life has intersected with American media history in a unique and personal way. Known widely as the ex-wife of television journalist Bryant Gumbel, June Baranco has lived a life of resilience, grace, and independence. While her name often appears in connection with her famous ex-husband, there’s much more to June than meets the eye.

Her story reflects the challenges of balancing personal life with public scrutiny, especially during the height of Gumbel’s career in national broadcasting. June maintained her dignity throughout one of the most talked-about divorces in celebrity circles. She was not just a wife or mother but a woman who stood her ground when it mattered most.

From her early beginnings in Louisiana to her years living under the glare of media cameras, June has carved out her own legacy. She endured a marriage that spanned over two decades and raised two children during a time when her husband was one of America’s most recognized news anchors. Yet despite being in the background, June’s strength and decisions significantly shaped the public perception of Gumbel’s private life.

Now, with growing public interest in the lives of individuals connected to celebrity culture, June Baranco’s story is finding its way back into the spotlight. Readers are eager to know who she is, what she’s done since the divorce, and how she’s coped with being once-married to a man constantly in the public eye.

This article dives deep into her background, her relationship with Bryant Gumbel, the challenges she faced during their marriage, and where life has taken her since. In doing so, it reveals a woman of character, commitment, and quiet influence.

Let’s explore the compelling life of June Baranco — a woman who chose self-respect over fame, and personal happiness over public illusion.

Quick Bio Table – June Baranco

Who Is June Baranco?

June Baranco is best known as the former wife of award-winning journalist Bryant Gumbel, co-host of NBC’s Today Show. But June’s identity extends beyond just being the ex-spouse of a media titan. Born in 1948 in Louisiana, June built her own life before and after her high-profile marriage. While she initially worked as a flight attendant, she eventually stepped away from the public working world to focus on her family and later, personal passions.

Her heritage as an African-American woman growing up in the mid-20th century United States also shaped her experience. She was educated, articulate, and strongly rooted in personal values — something that later came to light during her highly publicized divorce.

Marriage to Bryant Gumbel

June Baranco married Bryant Gumbel in 1973, at a time when Gumbel was rising in the television world. Their marriage, which lasted more than 25 years, was filled with both glamour and turbulence. As Bryant became one of the most recognizable anchors in America, June managed the household and raised their children.

Behind the scenes, however, the marriage was strained. June reportedly stood by Bryant despite multiple rumors of infidelity and long work hours. It was a classic case of a woman sacrificing her aspirations to support her husband’s career — something that was not uncommon during the era.

Life as a Mother

June and Bryant had two children, including Bradley Gumbel, who has largely stayed out of the limelight. As a mother, June was devoted and protective, especially during media attention and public scrutiny. Her parenting style, according to sources close to the family, emphasized discipline, values, and humility — despite the wealth and fame surrounding the family.

Even after her separation from Bryant, June made her children her top priority and remained a stabilizing force in their lives.

The Public Divorce and Legal Battle

In 2001, June and Bryant officially divorced. The legal proceedings caught the attention of the media due to the details involved — including allegations of extramarital affairs. June claimed that Gumbel had abandoned their marriage emotionally and physically for years before the divorce was finalized.

She also fought — and won — a fair share of their marital assets, including properties. Her ability to stand firm in the courtroom, despite Bryant’s celebrity status, gained her respect in legal circles and from women’s rights advocates.

A Life of Privacy and Dignity

Since the divorce, June Baranco has kept a low public profile. She didn’t seek fame, interviews, or media attention. Instead, she chose to live quietly, away from the noise of the tabloids. Reports suggest that she returned to Louisiana or possibly New York, focusing on personal interests and perhaps even spiritual growth.

Her avoidance of public confrontation and her grace under pressure remain noteworthy.

Artistic Pursuits and Personal Interests

In more recent years, June has been linked to various artistic endeavors. Though not a professional artist by trade, sources have reported that she explores painting and other creative outlets. Her private lifestyle has allowed her the freedom to pursue passions that were likely sidelined during her marriage.

Art, nature, and family seem to be central to her present-day routine.

Connection with the African-American Community

June Baranco’s story also reflects the experience of many African-American women who supported their husbands in building careers while quietly enduring personal struggles. She has become, to some, a quiet symbol of endurance, dignity, and power in the face of betrayal.

Though not outspoken or involved in activism, her story is often referenced in conversations around high-profile divorces and Black women’s roles in public marriages.

Where Is June Baranco Now?

As of 2025, little is publicly known about June’s current whereabouts. She is believed to be enjoying her private life, possibly splitting time between residences and focusing on self-care and family. She has not remarried, and no romantic relationships have been confirmed since her split from Bryant Gumbel.

Her decision to remain single appears to be a conscious choice to prioritize peace over partnership.

Relationship with Bryant Gumbel Today

There’s no public record of ongoing disputes between June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel in recent years. While they reportedly had a contentious separation, they have both moved on. Gumbel remarried shortly after their divorce, while June did not.

Some sources speculate that they maintain cordial communication for the sake of their children, but this remains unconfirmed.

Legacy and Lessons from Her Story

June Baranco may not have written a memoir or appeared on talk shows, but her life speaks volumes. Her ability to walk away from a high-profile relationship with dignity has resonated with many women. Her story offers a rare, authentic glimpse into what it means to choose self-respect over societal expectations.

In many ways, June’s quiet strength has left a legacy more powerful than loud fame.

Final Thoughts

In the world of celebrity exes, few have managed to exit with the grace and resilience that June Baranco demonstrated. While her name may often be tied to Bryant Gumbel, she deserves recognition for her own strength, sacrifices, and character. Her life is a reminder that not all stories worth telling make headlines — some are written in quiet moments of courage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is June Baranco?
   June Baranco is best known as the ex-wife of TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. She is a mother, former flight attendant, and a private individual who has kept a low profile since her divorce.

2. How long were June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel married?
   They were married for over 25 years, from 1973 until their divorce in 2001.

3. Do June and Bryant Gumbel have children together?
   Yes, the couple has two children, including their son Bradley Gumbel.

4. Where is June Baranco now?
   She is believed to be living a private life away from the public eye, possibly involved in art and personal passions.

5. What caused their divorce?
   The divorce was reportedly due to infidelity and long-standing emotional disconnection, according to court documents and media reports.

6. Did June Baranco remarry after the divorce?
   No confirmed reports suggest that she remarried after divorcing Bryant Gumbel.

7. What is June Baranco’s background?
   She was born in Louisiana, is of African-American descent, and previously worked as a flight attendant before focusing on family life.