June Baranco is a strong and talented woman. Many people know her as the ex-wife of TV journalist Bryant Gumbel, but her life is about much more than that.
She is an artist, a mother, and a woman who found strength after pain. June went through a lot in her life, but she turned that pain into something beautiful — art, creativity, and peace.
In this article, we will explore her full story. From her early life and marriage to her art and quiet life today. Every part of her journey teaches something powerful and real.
June Carlyn Barancoa Profile Summary
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1948 |
| Age (2026) | 78 years old |
| Place of Birth | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | BFA from Louisiana State University; Trained at Parsons, Art Students League, and Pierce College |
| Profession | Visual Artist, Hat Designer, Entrepreneur |
| Famous For | Former wife of Bryant Gumbel; Founder of Geaux Chapeaux |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Married to Bryant Gumbel from 1973 to 2001) |
| Children | 2 – Bradley Christopher Gumbel and Jillian Beth Gumbel |
| Current Residence | New York City area |
| Business Name | Geaux Chapeaux (Handcrafted Hat Brand) |
| Public Life | Private; Not active on social media |
Early Life in Louisiana
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She grew up in a loving and respectful home. Her family taught her the value of education, kindness, and hard work.
As a child, June loved drawing and painting. She also enjoyed designing clothes just for fun. The colors, patterns, and charm of Southern life shaped her creative mind early on. These little joys became the start of her artistic path.
She always had a quiet, thoughtful nature. Her early life helped her grow into a calm and strong woman who stayed true to her values even during tough times.
Her School and Art Education
June took her passion for art seriously. She started by attending the High School of Art and Design in New York, where she improved her drawing and design skills.
After that, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Louisiana State University. But her learning didn’t stop there. She continued studying at top schools like the Parsons School of Design, Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College in California.
She also trained under famous artists like Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks, who helped her grow even more. June learned how to paint with oils, use pastels, do watercolors, and even make woodcut art. Her education gave her both skill and confidence.
How She Met Bryant Gumbel
June met Bryant Gumbel in the late 1960s through a friend. At the time, she was just a teenager — around 16 or 17 years old. Gumbel was young too and didn’t have much money, but he was smart and full of charm.
She said he was quick-witted, confident, and very different from other boys she had met. Even though they were both from Louisiana, they met in Chicago during one of her school breaks.
Their connection grew over time. Even when they lived in different cities, they kept visiting each other. June would often fly to California, where Bryant worked as a sportscaster. She always adjusted her schedule just to be near him.
Life as a Wife and Mother
After many years of dating, June and Bryant got married on December 1, 1973, in Baton Rouge. At first, things seemed happy. Bryant’s career started to take off, and June was proud of him.
She left her job as a Delta flight attendant to focus on their home and future. They had two children together — a son named Bradley in 1979, and a daughter named Jillian in 1983. June focused fully on being a mom and a supportive wife.
While Bryant worked in television and became more famous, June kept their family together. She created a warm, loving space for their children and stayed in the background — always cheering him on.
The Pain Behind the Marriage
Even though their life looked perfect from the outside, June Baranco was going through deep pain inside. Not long after their wedding, she found love letters from other women in Bryant’s things.
At first, he denied everything. Later, he admitted it but promised to change. But the cheating didn’t stop. June said he had many affairs, and she felt hurt again and again.
Still, she stayed. She believed in her marriage vows and didn’t want to break her family apart. She also thought a divorce might hurt Bryant’s career. So, she kept praying and hoping things would get better — but they didn’t.
June shared that she even spent her 50th birthday and several anniversaries all alone. She was in a lonely marriage, quietly carrying the pain while still trying to hold the family together.
When Everything Fell Apart
In June 1997, things finally broke. June confronted Bryant about a phone call she believed was to another woman. He didn’t argue. Instead, he quietly packed his bags and left — just like that.
June Baranco was shocked. She said he “shot her through the heart” and acted like he didn’t care about her or the kids anymore. She was left to handle everything alone, including the pain, the bills, and the kids’ needs.
Even though he was making a huge salary — around $600,000 a month — June said she was only getting $250 a month and had to use her own savings to survive. Her life turned upside down almost overnight.
A Long and Difficult Divorce
After Bryant left, June Baranco had to face many new problems alone. She didn’t just lose a partner — she was now in a long court battle. The divorce case lasted for four years and was very stressful.
June Baranco said she had to fight for what she and her kids deserved. Even though Bryant had a big income, she was left with very little. She had to protect her family, her peace, and her home.
The Home That Held Her Heart
One of the hardest parts of the divorce was about the house. June Baranco and her kids had lived in their Westchester estate for many years. It was full of memories.
Bryant wanted to have access to the house again. But June said no. She didn’t want another woman living in the same place where she had built her life and raised her children. She said that home had her “soul” in it — and she had every right to protect it.
What June Got After the Divorce
In August 2001, the divorce was finally complete. The court gave June Baranco half of Bryant’s $20 million fortune. She also got the Westchester estate and a luxury apartment in New York City.
But June never saw this as revenge. It was about justice and respect. She had spent nearly 30 years of her life supporting a man, building a home, and caring for a family. Now, she could finally start again — on her own terms.
Finding Peace Through Art
After the divorce, June Baranco returned to something she always loved — her art. She began painting again and joined local art communities.
Her work became more personal. She created portraits, landscapes, and woodcuts filled with emotion. Her art told stories of strength, identity, and healing. It was her way to let go of the past and build something new.
Her Hat Brand: Geaux Chapeaux
In 2011, June Baranco started a small hat business called Geaux Chapeaux. The idea came when she made a beautiful hat for her daughter’s wedding — and everyone loved it.
June used antique fabrics and trims to make each hat special. She blended Southern style with timeless fashion. “Geaux” is a nod to her Louisiana roots, and the brand became a new chapter in her creative journey.
A Quiet and Meaningful Life Today
Today, June Baranco lives a quiet life in the New York City area. She doesn’t use social media or go to public events. She prefers peace, privacy, and purpose.
She spends her time painting, designing, and mentoring young artists. She is part of groups like the Salmagundi Club and the Portrait Society of America, where she helps others grow.
A Legacy of Strength and Creativity
June Baranco’s story is not about being a celebrity — it’s about being strong. She went through pain, loss, and a public breakup. But she never gave up on herself.
Instead of fighting for attention, she built a life filled with art, peace, and pride. She turned sadness into strength. Her journey teaches us that healing is possible — and creativity can be a powerful way to grow.
Final Thoughts
June Baranco’s life is a story of quiet courage. She went through years of emotional pain, but she never gave up on herself. Instead of staying broken, she chose peace, purpose, and a fresh start.
From a difficult marriage to a beautiful life filled with art and creativity, June turned pain into power. She proved that even after heartbreak, it’s possible to stand tall, live with grace, and build something meaningful.
FAQs
How old is June Baranco now?
She was born on June Baranco 22, 1948, so she is 78 years old in 2026.
What is June Baranco doing today?
She lives a private life in New York, creating art, making hats, and mentoring young artists.
What is her hat brand called?
Her brand is called Geaux Chapeaux, launched in 2011. It features beautiful handmade hats with a Southern touch.
Did she get anything in the divorce?
Yes. June got half of Bryant Gumbel’s fortune, the Westchester estate, and a luxury New York apartment.
Is June married again?
There is no public information about her remarrying. She seems to enjoy a peaceful single life.
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