June Baranco, a name tied to the illustrious world of sports journalism through her former marriage to Bryant Gumbel, has led a life that encapsulates both the glamour and the pain of public life. Her story, filled with love, betrayal, and resilience, offers a window into a tumultuous marriage that was the subject of media speculation for decades. Today, June Baranco remains a figure of interest, not just because of her association with Gumbel but because of her journey following their highly publicized divorce.

Early Life and Meeting Bryant Gumbel

June Baranco, born around 1950, grew up in an environment far removed from the spotlight that would later shine on her. Details about her childhood and early life are relatively scarce, as Baranco has kept her personal history private. However, what is known is that she met Bryant Gumbel in the late 1960s in Chicago, introduced by a mutual friend who was dating Gumbel’s brother. This meeting set the stage for a relationship that would last for more than twenty years.

At the time of their meeting, Gumbel was an emerging sportscaster, while Baranco worked as a flight attendant. Their relationship blossomed over the next few years, with Baranco regularly traveling to California, where Gumbel was building his career. In interviews, Baranco described their early years as magical, even though she had to adjust her life around his demanding schedule.

Marriage to Bryant Gumbel

June and Bryant’s relationship culminated in marriage on December 1, 1973, in Baton Rouge. Their wedding was a milestone, marking the beginning of what would be a lengthy yet ultimately troubled marriage. In the early years, Baranco and Gumbel appeared to lead a picture-perfect life. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in 1979, followed by a daughter in 1983. Despite the joy of parenthood, the cracks in their relationship began to show early on.

Baranco discovered that her husband was having affairs not long into their marriage. At first, Gumbel denied the allegations, but as the evidence mounted, he eventually promised to change. However, as years went by, Gumbel’s infidelities continued, and Baranco was left to reconcile her hope for a happy family with the reality of her husband’s behavior.

Bryant Gumbel’s Affairs and the Strain on Their Marriage

June Baranco has described Bryant Gumbel as a “serial adulterer,” a label that encapsulates the core issue of their troubled relationship. Even with the birth of their children, Gumbel continued his extramarital affairs, leaving Baranco disillusioned but hopeful that he would change. In interviews, Baranco expressed her deep commitment to her marriage vows, stating that she could not undo the promises she made in the Catholic church, “for better or worse, for richer, for poorer.”

Despite her commitment, Baranco’s heartache became more pronounced as Gumbel’s behavior grew increasingly difficult to ignore. In the early 1990s, their marriage was in constant turmoil, with Baranco frequently adjusting her life to accommodate Gumbel’s schedule and lifestyle. Yet, her husband’s wandering ways seemed to persist, leading to tension and emotional exhaustion for Baranco.

The End of Their Marriage

The turning point in June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel’s marriage came on June 28, 1997. Baranco had suspected that Gumbel was once again involved with another woman, and after confronting him about a call she believed was from his mistress, Gumbel packed his bags and left without much of an explanation. Baranco was left to manage the household and their children on her own, struggling to make ends meet.

Despite earning a substantial income of $600,000 per month, Baranco found herself facing financial difficulties after Gumbel left. She revealed that he had canceled her credit cards, and her monthly allowance from him was a mere $250, which barely covered the costs of living. Baranco was forced to dip into her savings to keep up with family expenses, all while raising their children.

The Divorce Battle

Following Gumbel’s departure, Baranco and Gumbel’s divorce became a protracted and messy affair. The divorce proceedings lasted for four years, with Baranco’s lawyer threatening to expose Gumbel’s long history of infidelities. As the divorce dragged on, Gumbel continued to fight for access to their marital home, but Baranco refused to let him return, unable to bear the thought of another woman living in the home they had shared for so many years.

The divorce was finalized in August 2001, with Baranco reportedly receiving fifty percent of the couple’s Westchester estate and a portion of Gumbel’s $20 million fortune. While the divorce settlement was significant, the emotional toll on Baranco was immeasurable. It was reported that Gumbel walked out of the courtroom with a smile on his face, seemingly relieved to move on with his life.

Bryant Gumbel’s Remarriage

About a year after the divorce, Bryant Gumbel remarried Hilary Quinlan, a former research assistant at Goldman Sachs. Their wedding, which took place at the Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Florida, was an intimate affair with only around 20 guests in attendance. Interestingly, Bryant’s son from his first marriage with June Baranco served as his best man.

Life After Divorce

Since the end of her marriage to Bryant Gumbel, June Baranco has maintained a low profile. Unlike her ex-husband, who continued to thrive in the public eye, Baranco has kept most details of her personal life private. It remains unclear whether she remarried after her divorce or has pursued any other public endeavors. What is known is that she has largely remained out of the spotlight, focusing on raising her children and living a quiet life away from the media’s gaze.

Is June Baranco Married Today?

After her divorce from Bryant Gumbel, June Baranco’s marital status has remained a mystery. She has not remarried, at least publicly, and continues to keep her personal life away from the prying eyes of the media. It is likely that Baranco has chosen to maintain a low profile after her highly publicized divorce, focusing instead on her family and personal well-being.

Bryant Gumbel’s Life Today

As of 2025, Bryant Gumbel remains a prominent figure in the media world. Though he retired from his role as the host of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel on HBO in 2023, his career has spanned decades, and he remains one of the most respected broadcasters in American history. Bryant Gumbel has also continued his personal life with his second wife, Hilary Quinlan. The couple has largely stayed out of the public eye, but their relationship remains intact as Gumbel enjoys his post-career life.

June Baranco’s Legacy

June Baranco’s story is one of strength, perseverance, and emotional resilience. While her marriage to Bryant Gumbel was fraught with infidelity and emotional turmoil, Baranco has managed to carve out a life of her own after the divorce. Despite the public nature of her relationship and the difficulties she faced, she has remained largely out of the limelight, focusing on her family and her own personal growth.

Baranco’s legacy, therefore, is not tied solely to her high-profile marriage but to her ability to overcome the challenges she faced and move forward. While her ex-husband has continued to thrive in the media world, June Baranco’s life is a reminder that sometimes the greatest strength lies in maintaining one’s dignity and privacy in the face of adversity.

FAQs

1. How old is June Baranco?
   June Baranco’s exact birthdate is not known, but it is believed she was around 51 years old at the time of her divorce from Bryant Gumbel in 2001. This would place her birth year around 1950.
2. Is June Baranco married?
   June Baranco was married to Bryant Gumbel from 1973 to 2001. It is not clear if she remarried after their divorce, as she has kept details of her personal life private.
3. What happened to Bryant Gumbel?
   Bryant Gumbel, now 77 as of 2025, has retired from broadcasting. He is married to Hilary Quinlan, his second wife, and remains active in his personal and professional life.

conclusion

June Baranco’s story is not just about being the ex-wife of a famous broadcaster, but about navigating the complexities of life and love under public scrutiny. Her resilience, quiet strength, and ability to move on after such a difficult chapter in her life are a testament to her character. While her name may be forever linked to her marriage to Bryant Gumbel, June Baranco’s legacy is defined by much more than that.