June Baranco is best known as the former wife of American sportscaster and journalist Bryant Gumbel. While much of her public recognition comes from her marriage she has built her own identity as a woman of strength dignity and quiet influence.
Unlike many who step into the spotlight through celebrity connections June Baranco has maintained a low profile lifestyle focusing on family art and community involvement.
This article provides a detailed biography of June Baranco covering her early life marriage divorce children career pursuits and legacy.
Early Life and Education: Building a Creative Foundation
Born on June 22 1948 in New Orleans June Baranco was raised in a stable principled environment amidst the cultural richness of the South. This background provided the resilience she would later need to navigate life in the public eye.
Family Heritage
June is the daughter of Jeannie and Joseph Baranco. Her father was a distinguished U.S. Army veteran and two time Purple Heart recipient. Growing up in a household where discipline met creativity she was encouraged from a young age to explore her interests in the visual and tactile arts.
Education: The Making of an Artist
Far from being just a socialite June dedicated years to mastering her craft. Her academic journey began in Louisiana and led to the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan.
She furthered her expertise at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) specializing in design and fabrics before returning home to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1971.
This formal training in painting and design served as the foundation for the professional calling she would fully embrace in her later years.
Meeting Bryant Gumbel: A Love Story with Twists
June Baranco’s connection to the world of sports journalism began in the late 1960s. At the time she was an independent young woman carving her own path as a flight attendant—a role that symbolized adventure and autonomy during that era.
A Serendipitous Introduction
The “twist” in their meeting was a classic case of being in the right place at the right time. They were introduced in Chicago by a mutual friend who was dating Bryant’s brother.
While Bryant was an ambitious young man finding his voice in the media June brought the grounded perspective of her Louisiana upbringing to their connection.
The Long Distance Romance
With June’s flying schedule and Bryant’s budding career at KNBC in Los Angeles their early relationship was defined by travel and anticipation. June frequently flew to California to support Bryant as he navigated the competitive world of local broadcasting.
She later described these years as “magical” a period of pure support before the pressure of national fame and public life began to strain their union.
Their commitment survived the distance eventually leading to their 1973 wedding in Baton Rouge. This foundation of mutual support made the later shifts in their marriage particularly unexpected for the public who had followed their journey.
The 28 Year Marriage to Bryant Gumbel (1973–2001)
The couple married on December 1 1973 in Baton Rouge marking the start of a nearly three decade union. Their marriage coincided with Bryant’s meteoric rise as he moved from local news to the anchor chair of NBC’s Today show in 1982 June became a familiar figure in the orbit of network television.
A Partnership in the Spotlight
For almost thirty years June was the silent partner in a career that shattered racial and professional barriers. As Bryant became the most visible African American in network news June managed the complexities of their high profile household.
They were fixtures at exclusive events from Metropolitan Museum of Art galas to diplomatic dinners embodying a picture perfect life that would eventually face significant public challenges.
Navigating the Storm: Infidelity Divorce and Resilience
Behind the veneer of professional success the marriage faced significant internal pressures. By the mid 1990s the cracks began to show in a very public way.
June Baranco eventually came forward with allegations of “serial adultery” painting a picture of a marriage that had been struggling for many years.
The 2001 Divorce Settlement
The legal battle that followed their 1997 separation was one of the most talked about celebrity divorces of the era. The proceedings lasted four years finally concluding in August 2001.
- Financial Outcome: June was awarded 50% of the couple’s significant Westchester estate and a substantial portion of their marital assets.
- The Emotional Toll: Despite the financial security the settlement provided the public nature of the allegations including claims that her credit cards were canceled during the separation made it a period of immense trial.
What followed however was not a retreat into bitterness but a masterclass in personal reinvention.
Geaux Chapeaux: June Baranco’s Artistic Reinvention
Perhaps the most inspiring chapter of June Baranco’s life began after she stepped out from the shadow of her former marriage. Returning to the skills she learned at LSU and FIT she rediscovered her passion for millinery the art of making hats.
The Birth of a Brand
The inspiration for her business Geaux Chapeaux came from a personal place. While shopping for her daughter Jillian’s wedding in 2011 June was shocked by the high prices of designer headpieces. Relying on the sewing skills taught to her by her Aunt Eura at age nine she decided to create her own.
The Success of Geaux Chapeaux Millinery
June’s hats are more than just accessories; they are wearable art. Her designs often feature:
- Vintage materials: She famously sources vintage ribbons fabrics and hat blocks from eBay and antique markets.
- Southern Flair: Her “Tea Fashion & Fancies” showcases in Louisiana reflect a deep connection to her heritage.
- Pastels and Oils: In addition to hats she continues to work as a visual artist specializing in pastel and oil portraits.
June Baranco Today: Children and Private Life
As of 2026 June Baranco has successfully transitioned into a life of quiet influence. Her primary focus remains her two children who have both found success in their own right:
- Bradley Christopher Gumbel (born 1978): Bradley has chosen a life largely away from the cameras working in the private sector and maintaining a close relationship with both parents.
- Jillian Beth Gumbel (born 1983): Jillian is a well known yoga instructor and wellness advocate. Her wedding in 2011 served as the creative spark that launched June’s millinery career.
June resides primarily in the United States continuing to produce custom pieces for a select clientele and participating in art community events. She represents a generation of women who proved that a high profile divorce is not an end but a doorway to a more authentic self.
Conclusion
June Baranco’s legacy is a testament to the power of resilience. From the cultural streets of New Orleans to the high stakes world of New York media she has navigated life with a quiet dignity that refuses to be defined by a single relationship.
Today she stands as a role model for women seeking to rediscover their passions at any age. Whether through a stroke of a pastel brush or the intricate stitching of a vintage hat June Baranco has finally written her own headline.
FAQs
Is June Baranco still making hats?
Through her brand Geaux Chapeaux she continues to design custom millinery often showcasing her work at specialized fashion and museum events.
What was the cause of June Baranco’s divorce?
The divorce was finalized on the grounds of marital breakdown with June publicly citing long term infidelity as a primary reason for the separation.
Where can I see June Baranco’s art?
Her work is occasionally featured in Southern lifestyle magazines and through her business social media presence though she maintains a very private personal portfolio.
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