June Carlyn Baranco is a woman whose life story reflects strength, creativity, and quiet dignity. While many people know her as the former wife of television journalist Bryant Gumbel, her identity extends far beyond that title. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she grew up with strong values and a natural gift for art that shaped her path in life. Over the years, she has been a devoted mother, a talented visual artist, and an entrepreneur who founded her own handcrafted hat brand.
Her journey has not been without challenges, especially during her long and very public marriage and divorce, but she has faced those difficulties with grace. Today, she is admired not only for her resilience but also for her ability to build a fulfilling life centered on creativity, independence, and personal peace.
Profile Summary June Baranco
| Personal Detail | 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 |
| 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 Education
June Carlyn Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her upbringing was filled with the values of hard work, education, and honesty that were deeply rooted in her Southern background. From an early age, she showed a special interest in creativity. She loved painting, sketching, and working with her hands, and her natural artistic skills stood out among her peers.
Growing up in Baton Rouge also gave her a deep appreciation for community, family ties, and cultural expression, all of which would later appear in her artwork and entrepreneurial projects. Unlike many who would go on to live in the public eye, June’s early life was simple and private, but it laid a strong foundation for the woman she would eventually become.
Age and Looks
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, which makes her 77 years old as of 2025. She has always been known for her graceful and classic style, carrying herself with confidence and elegance throughout her life. In her younger years, she was admired for her natural beauty and fashionable appearance, and even now, she continues to reflect dignity and poise. Though she now lives a private life away from the public eye, she is remembered for her timeless charm and the calm strength she shows in the way she presents herself.
Building an Artistic Foundation
Education played a huge role in shaping June Baranco’s path. She attended the High School of Art and Design in New York, which helped her strengthen her artistic abilities and explore her creative passions. Later, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University. Her desire to grow as an artist did not stop there, as she went on to study at prestigious institutions such as Parsons School of Design, the Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College in California.
She learned under celebrated artists like Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks, which helped her refine her skills and develop a realistic style of painting that captured both detail and emotion. Her training gave her the confidence to experiment with many media, including oil painting, watercolor, pastel, and woodcut prints, which allowed her to express different parts of her creativity.
Meeting Bryant Gumbel and Marriage
During her younger years, June worked as a Delta Airlines flight attendant, a career that gave her independence and the chance to see the world. It was during this time in the late 1960s that she met Bryant Gumbel, who was beginning to build his career as a journalist. Their meeting eventually turned into a strong relationship, and in 1973, the two married. At the time, Bryant was steadily gaining recognition, and his career was on a sharp rise, especially when he became a co-host on NBC’s “Today” show. As his fame grew, so did the attention on their marriage, and June found herself in a very different world from the quiet life she once knew.
Who is Bryant Gumbel?
Bryant Gumbel is a well-known American television journalist and sportscaster who has had a long and successful career in broadcasting. He was born on September 29, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and became famous as the co-host of NBC’s Today show, where he worked for more than fifteen years. During that time, he became recognized for his smooth delivery, professionalism, and ability to handle both serious interviews and lighter morning show segments.
After leaving NBC, he went on to host Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel on HBO, a program praised for its in-depth and thoughtful sports journalism. Over the years, Bryant has built a reputation as one of the most respected figures in television, known for his intelligence, sharp questions, and ability to cover a wide range of topics beyond sports.
Children and Family Life
June Baranco is the proud mother of two children, a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Beth Gumbel. Throughout their upbringing, she focused on giving them a stable and loving home, even while living through the pressures of a public marriage and a difficult divorce. June worked hard to keep her children away from media attention, allowing them to grow up in privacy and with strong values such as honesty, respect, and resilience. Her dedication to family shows that, above all else, she valued her role as a mother and made sure her children had the guidance and support they needed to build their own lives.
Family Life and Role as a Supportive Partner
For nearly three decades, June Baranco lived in the public eye as Bryant Gumbel’s wife, and together they raised two children, Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth. While Bryant was often in front of the cameras, June played the important role of creating a stable and loving home. She took on the responsibilities of raising the children and managing family life while continuing to nurture her passion for art on the side. Many who knew them described her as the steady and supportive force behind her husband’s demanding career. Life as the wife of a media personality was not always easy.
There were constant pressures, busy schedules, and the ongoing demands that come with fame. Yet June remained composed and focused on her family, rarely seeking the attention that came so naturally to her husband.
Struggles Within the Marriage
However, as the years went by, the marriage faced serious challenges. Reports of infidelity and emotional distance from Bryant made headlines, and what had once looked like a picture-perfect union began to unravel. June revealed during the divorce that despite Bryant’s wealth and status, she often had to rely on her own savings because she was given only a small allowance during their marriage. This financial imbalance, coupled with the personal strains of betrayal and neglect, placed a heavy burden on her. In 2000, after 27 years of marriage, June and Bryant separated, and by 2001 their divorce was finalized.
Divorce and Legal Settlement
The divorce attracted wide media attention not only because of Bryant’s celebrity status but also because of the legal battles that followed. Bryant attempted to move assets in an effort to reduce the settlement, but the court ruled in June’s favor, awarding her half of their estate. This included valuable properties such as a mansion in Westchester and an apartment on New York’s Upper East Side. For June, the divorce was more than just a legal matter; it was about reclaiming her dignity, fairness, and independence after years of sacrifice. Despite the highly publicized nature of the split, she handled herself with grace, avoiding sensationalism and rarely speaking publicly about the ordeal.
Life After Marriage Ended
After her divorce from Bryant Gumbel in 2001, June Baranco focused on rebuilding her life with independence and peace. She returned to her love for art, creating paintings and woodcut works that connected to culture and community, including a project for Boston’s African Meeting House and an installation for a hospital in Harlem. In 2011, she also launched her handcrafted hat brand, Geaux Chapeaux, which blends her creativity with fashion and Southern heritage. Choosing a private lifestyle, June has stayed away from media attention and instead devoted her time to art, business, and family, showing resilience and strength in creating a fulfilling life on her own terms.
Entrepreneurship and Geaux Chapeaux
After her divorce, June Baranco turned her creativity into a business by launching Geaux Chapeaux, a handcrafted hat brand that reflects her Southern roots and artistic vision. The idea came in 2011 when she designed a hat for her daughter’s wedding after struggling to find one that was stylish and affordable. Her designs quickly stood out for their elegance, individuality, and use of vintage fabrics and trims, many of which connected back to her Louisiana heritage.
Each hat is unique, combining timeless fashion with personal meaning, and the brand soon gained attention among those who appreciate quality craftsmanship and classic style. Through Geaux Chapeaux, June not only expressed her artistic talent but also proved her strength as an entrepreneur, building something meaningful and successful on her own terms.
Dedication to Family
Even while pursuing her artistic career and entrepreneurial ventures, June remained dedicated to her role as a mother. She worked hard to keep her children’s lives private and shielded them from media scrutiny, ensuring they had stability and a strong sense of values despite their father’s fame. Bradley and Jillian largely stayed out of the spotlight, a testament to the protective and nurturing environment June created for them. Her focus on family, even during times of personal hardship, showed her strength and sense of responsibility as a parent.
Private Life and Community Involvement
Today, June Baranco lives a private life in the New York City area, far removed from the constant media attention of her past. She has chosen not to engage with social media or publicity, preferring peace, family, and personal fulfillment over the spotlight. She remains active in the artistic community, holding memberships in respected organizations such as the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York. Through these platforms, she not only continues to showcase her work but also mentors young artists, offering guidance, workshops, and inspiration. Her willingness to support others highlights her generous spirit and her desire to give back to the community that helped shape her.
Legacy and Influence
At 77 years old, June Baranco is admired not just for her artistic talent but also for her resilience and dignity. Her life is a powerful reminder that identity is not defined by relationships or by the fame of those around us. She has shown that even after difficult times, it is possible to rebuild and thrive by staying true to oneself. Her legacy is one of quiet strength, creativity, and authenticity. For women who find themselves overshadowed by powerful partners, her journey serves as a source of encouragement and hope. She demonstrates the importance of reclaiming one’s narrative and living life on one’s own terms.
Money and Net Worth
June Baranco’s exact net worth is not publicly known, but she has lived with financial stability since her divorce from Bryant Gumbel in 2001. As part of the settlement, she received valuable assets, including a Westchester mansion and an apartment in New York City, which gave her long-term security. Along with this, she continues to earn income from her creative work as a visual artist and from her handcrafted hat business, Geaux Chapeaux. While she does not focus on wealth or live a flashy lifestyle, June has built a comfortable and independent life, showing that her true success comes from creativity, resilience, and living peacefully on her own terms.
Conclusion
June Baranco’s life is a story of resilience, creativity, and quiet strength. From her beginnings in Baton Rouge to her years as the wife of Bryant Gumbel and later her journey of independence, she has shown that true success is not measured by fame but by dignity and authenticity. She reinvented herself through art and entrepreneurship, building a meaningful life that reflects her values and talents. As a devoted mother, accomplished artist, and founder of Geaux Chapeaux, June has created her own legacy, one defined by grace, independence, and the courage to live life on her own terms.
FAQs About June Baranco
1. Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is an American visual artist and entrepreneur best known as the former wife of television journalist Bryant Gumbel. She is also the founder of Geaux Chapeaux, a handcrafted hat brand.
2. When was June Baranco born?
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As of 2025, she is 77 years old.
3. How many children does June Baranco have?
She has two children with Bryant Gumbel, a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Beth Gumbel.
4. What does June Baranco do now?
June Baranco lives a private life in the New York City area. She continues her passion for art, runs her hat brand Geaux Chapeaux, and mentors young artists.
5. What is June Baranco’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is not publicly available, but after her divorce settlement and with income from her art and business, she lives a stable and independent life.