Late Bob Barker & Girlfriend Were a Couple Only at First: Their True Bond After Prenup & Proposal Rejection
- The late Bob Barker's partner, Nancy Burnet, remained by his side until he took his last breath.
- The couple were together for a long time. However, Burnet has only now given a detailed insight into what their relationship was like for four decades.
- Burnet turned down his proposals and prenup.
Bob Barker, who tragically passed away recently, was known for his prowess as an iconic American television presenter. Outside of hosting the popular game show "The Price Is Right," Barker was also a beloved husband to Dorothy Jo Gideon and longtime partner to Nancy Burnet.
After Gideon sadly met her demise in 1981, Barker and Burnet met in 1983. Following their exchanges after meeting each other, Burnet and Barker worked together publicly.
Bob Barker posing in a black and white portrait for the "Sixth Annual Daytime Emmy Awards" in 1979 | Source: Getty Images
Though there was the occasional mention of their personal relationship, Burnet insisted on keeping their romance away from the public eye. According to her:
"I kept my relationship with him very low-key because people treat you differently when they know that there's a celebrity involved. At one time, we were very much a couple and then later (our) relationship evolved into more of a friendship."
Additionally, Burnet mentioned that when they had discussed the concept of remarrying, both shared the same opinion. Barker and Burnet agreed that they had no intention of getting remarried.
Bob Barker and Nancy Burnet at the Animal Defenders International gala in Hollywood, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
During Bob Barker's Courtship with Nancy Burnet, He Made Proposals and Sent Her a Prenup Which She Refused
Although, at first, both Barker and Burnet expressed their disinterest in remarrying, a couple of years after their initial chat about the concept, Barker popped the question numerous times. However, Burnet remained unrelenting in her stance:
"...he proposed many times...I think it was 2011, maybe, he had his attorney draw up a prenup and sent that to me. I just didn't accept that... I just never wanted to remarry to anyone."
Bob Barker and Nancy Burnet posing for a picture after attending a hearing on the "Captive Elephant Accident Prevention Act of 1999" in Washington, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Burnet said after rejecting Barker's proposals and prenup, the couple went back to how they were. The pair stayed close friends and companions until Barker's final days, and Burnet reported that she took care of the game show host and oversaw all his health affairs.
Barker had been experiencing some challenges with his health over the last few years. He endured skin cancer and prostate surgery, a stroke, and his left carotid artery was partially blocked.
When speaking about his health status, Barker's beloved partner, Burnet, disclosed that Barker reached a point where hosting "The Price Is Right" became too exhausting for him as he got older. However, Burnet also reported that he had been doing well last year despite the occasional instance in which he would sometimes become forgetful.
Bob Barker taping his final episode of "The Price Is Right" in Los Angeles, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
The Late Bob Barker and Nancy Burnet Met at an Animal Adoption Event
Rewinding back to their initial encounter, Burnet was working in animal legislation when she met Barker at an animal adoption event. Barker, also known for his animal activism work, bonded with her over their mutual love and passion for protecting wildlife and domesticated animals.
According to Barker's memoir, he was drawn to Burnet because he thought she was attractive, while she noted her appeal to him from his sense of humor during their first chat. Burnet had been standing with a friend when Barker walked up, introduced himself, and asked if she was married or single.
After some time, Burnet said that Barker asked her out to dinner, to which she declined, citing that the timing was inconvenient. He then called her after this encounter, and the two ended up meeting in Los Angeles for their date. Following a great time, they vacationed together in Santa Barbara and Las Vegas as their romantic spark grew.
Ed Stewart, Bob Barker, and Nancy Burnet at the PAWS Sanctuary in Toronto, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Burnet remained at Barker's side throughout his final days and survives his legacy. Many continue to mourn the loss of Barker, who passed away a few days ago this month.
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