June Baranco: The Inspiring Life of Bryant Gumbel’s Ex-Wife, Artist, and Entrepreneur

Quick Bio

Who is June Baranco?

Early Life and Background

June Carlyn Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she was raised in a warm and hardworking family that valued honesty, discipline, and education. Growing up in the rich culture of the South, June developed an early love for art, fashion, and design. As a child, she often spent her time drawing, painting, and creating her own clothing, showing a natural sense of creativity and imagination. The Southern traditions of community, faith, and perseverance deeply influenced her character and later shaped her artistic style.

Baton Rouge’s colorful surroundings, combined with her family’s encouragement, helped her nurture a strong sense of identity and appreciation for beauty in simple things. Those early experiences gave June the foundation to express herself through art, even before she realized it would become her lifelong passion.

June Baranco Age and Physical Details

As of 2025, June Baranco is 77 years old, having been born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is known for her timeless elegance and graceful appearance, often described as calm, confident, and stylish. Even in her later years, she carries herself with poise and dignity, reflecting the same strength and creativity that define her life and career. Her classic sense of fashion and natural charm continue to make her presence both graceful and inspiring.

Educational Journey

June pursued her passion for art early in life. She attended the High School of Art and Design in New York City, where she developed her artistic foundation. Later, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Louisiana State University, which further refined her creative skills. To enhance her artistic education, she studied at Parsons School of Design, the Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College in California.

She was mentored by respected artists such as Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks, who helped shape her mastery in realism. Her studies in oil painting, watercolor, pastel, and woodcut printing gave her the versatility that defines her work today.

Career and Artistic Journey

June Baranco’s artistic career spans several decades and reflects her deep understanding of realism and emotion. Her work covers multiple media, including oil, watercolor, pastel, and woodcut prints. She captures beauty and depth in ordinary moments, expressing themes of identity, culture, and community. Her creative voice grew stronger after her divorce, as she used art to heal and tell her personal story.

Some of her noted projects include a woodcut piece for Boston’s African Meeting House and an art installation for North General Hospital in Harlem. Beyond painting, she combined her artistic skills with entrepreneurship by founding Geaux Chapeaux in 2011, a handcrafted hat brand inspired by her Louisiana roots. Her designs blend Southern charm with classic fashion, using vintage fabrics and trims to create timeless pieces that reflect both art and tradition.

How June Baranco Met Bryant Gumbel

In the late 1960s, June’s life changed course when she met Bryant Gumbel, a young journalist at the beginning of his career. At that time, June was working as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, and their meeting soon blossomed into a strong connection. They shared dreams, ambitions, and a mutual respect for each other’s goals. Their love grew, and in December 1973, they married, starting what would become a long and public partnership.

While Bryant’s career in broadcasting began to rise, June took on the role of a supportive wife, helping him balance the pressures of his growing fame. The couple welcomed two children, Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth, and together they built a family that blended success and love. June’s focus was always on keeping her home life stable and nurturing her children, ensuring they grew up with strong values despite their father’s demanding public career.

Marriage and Family Life

During her marriage to Bryant Gumbel, June Baranco dedicated herself to creating a warm and balanced home environment. While Bryant worked long hours in television, June managed family life, raised their children, and continued to nurture her love for art. She was known among friends and acquaintances for her grace, intelligence, and style.

Despite living in the shadow of Bryant’s fame, she maintained her individuality and remained grounded. Her two children were her greatest joy, and she made sure they grew up with respect, honesty, and resilience. June’s life during those years was filled with both love and challenges, but she never lost sight of her personal values or her commitment to her family. Her quiet presence behind the scenes played an essential role in Bryant’s success and the stability of their family life.

Who Is Bryant Gumbel?

Challenges in Marriage

As Bryant Gumbel’s career reached new heights, their marriage began to face difficulties. The pressures of fame, long work hours, and personal conflicts started to take a toll on their relationship. Reports of infidelity and emotional distance surfaced, creating tension and heartache. June faced these struggles with quiet strength, refusing to let bitterness define her.

Despite Bryant’s financial success, she lived with a modest allowance, relying on her own savings to maintain independence. She continued to care for her children and focus on her art, even while navigating emotional pain. The difficulties she endured tested her spirit, but they also made her stronger. June’s ability to maintain dignity during hardship showed her depth of character and the quiet courage that would later help her rebuild her life.

Divorce and New Beginnings

In 2001, after nearly twenty-eight years of marriage, June Baranco filed for divorce from Bryant Gumbel. The separation became public news due to Bryant’s celebrity status, but June handled the process with grace and discretion. The divorce proceedings were lengthy and included disputes over property and finances. In the end, the court ruled in June’s favor, granting her a fair share of their estate, including a Westchester mansion and a New York City apartment.

However, the most important outcome for June was not material wealth—it was freedom and peace of mind. After the divorce, she chose to live life on her own terms, focusing on healing and self-expression through art. Instead of pursuing attention or public sympathy, she quietly rebuilt her world and dedicated herself to the things that brought her joy and purpose.

June Baranco’s Children

June Baranco is the proud mother of two children, a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Beth Gumbel. Both of her children grew up with strong values and a deep sense of family. June worked hard to protect them from public attention and to provide a normal, loving environment despite their father’s fame. Her daughter Jillian leads a private life, while her son Bradley has worked in finance. June’s children remain her greatest source of pride, and her role as a mother continues to be one of her most meaningful accomplishments.

Life After Divorce

After her divorce, June found healing and direction through creativity. She returned to her art with renewed passion, channeling her emotions into her paintings and designs. Her work became a reflection of her inner strength and her connection to heritage and community. She created a woodcut for Boston’s African Meeting House and an art installation for North General Hospital in Harlem, both projects that celebrated history and culture. Through art, June turned pain into beauty and used her creativity to make a positive impact.

Her post-divorce years were marked by independence, peace, and personal fulfillment. She chose a quieter life, focusing on her craft and her role as a mother, proving that true success comes from inner balance rather than public recognition.

Geaux Chapeaux and Entrepreneurship

In 2011, June Baranco began a new chapter as an entrepreneur when she launched Geaux Chapeaux, a handcrafted hat brand inspired by her Louisiana roots. The idea came after she made a hat for her daughter’s wedding and realized how much she enjoyed the process. Each hat she creates reflects her eye for detail and love of classic, vintage fashion.

The name “Geaux,” a nod to her Southern background, adds a personal touch that connects her business to her hometown culture. June uses vintage fabrics and trims to craft elegant, timeless hats that carry both artistry and history. Geaux Chapeaux quickly became known for its unique blend of creativity, tradition, and craftsmanship. Through her business, June combined her artistic passion with entrepreneurship, turning her skills into a meaningful venture that celebrates individuality and heritage.

Artistic Style and Vision

June Baranco’s artistic style is rooted in realism and emotion. She paints with sensitivity and depth, capturing the true essence of her subjects. Her use of oil, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut techniques allows her to express a wide range of moods and themes. Her art often explores identity, family, and the beauty of everyday life.

June believes that art should connect with people on a personal level, evoking feelings that words cannot always express. Her Southern background and life experiences give her work a warm, soulful quality. Whether she is painting or designing hats, her creativity carries a sense of calm and authenticity. Through her art, June continues to share her journey, proving that creativity can be a source of strength and healing.

Private Life and Community Work

Today, June Baranco leads a peaceful, private life in the New York City area. She avoids social media and public appearances, choosing instead to live quietly and focus on what matters most to her—art, family, and community. She is an active member of several respected art organizations, including the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York.

Through these groups, she not only showcases her work but also mentors younger artists, helping them develop their talent and confidence. Her kindness and wisdom have made her a respected figure within the artistic community. June’s life now reflects a balance of creativity, independence, and peace. She continues to inspire others through her example, showing that one can live meaningfully without seeking fame or attention.

Legacy and Lessons

June Baranco’s life offers valuable lessons about strength, dignity, and authenticity. She teaches that even in times of hardship, one can remain graceful and focused on what truly matters. Her journey from a young artist in Louisiana to a respected creator and entrepreneur is filled with perseverance and quiet courage. Despite public challenges and personal loss, she never allowed negativity to define her story.

Instead, she built a new life centered around art, purpose, and self-respect. Her example inspires others to find peace within themselves and to believe in the power of creativity and resilience. June shows that real success is not measured by fame or wealth, but by the ability to live honestly and with heart.

June Baranco’s Net Worth

June Baranco’s exact net worth is not publicly known, as she has always chosen to keep her financial details private. However, after her divorce settlement, she received significant assets, including valuable properties. In addition, her income comes from her artwork and her handcrafted hat business, Geaux Chapeaux. While she may not be among the wealthiest celebrity figures, her financial independence is a reflection of her dedication, creativity, and strong work ethic.

Final Thoughts

At seventy-seven years old, June Baranco continues to be a symbol of quiet strength and creative spirit. From her early life in Baton Rouge to her years as Bryant Gumbel’s wife, and later as an independent artist and entrepreneur, her story has been one of growth, transformation, and grace. She has proven that it is possible to rebuild a life after hardship and to create beauty from difficult experiences. June Baranco’s legacy is one of art, resilience, and authenticity. She remains an inspiration to those who believe that living with purpose, kindness, and creativity is the truest form of success.