June Baranco: The Artist and Entrepreneur Beyond Bryant Gumbel’s Ex-Wife

June Baranco’s name often comes up because of her former marriage to well-known TV journalist Bryant Gumbel, but focusing only on that would miss the best part of her story. She’s an accomplished artist, a creative entrepreneur, and a woman who built a meaningful life rooted in dignity, independence, and quiet determination. Her journey is a reminder that you can shape your own identity, follow your passions, and create something beautiful even after facing difficult chapters.

Contents

• Quick Bio

• Early Life and Background

• Current Age and Physical Appearance

• Education and Artistic Training

• Meeting Bryant Gumbel

• Who Is Bryant Gumbel?

• Marriage to Bryant Gumbel and Family Life

• Challenges Within the Marriage

• Divorce and Legal Battle

• Children and Family Values

• Life After Divorce

• Geaux Chapeaux

• Private Life and Community Involvement

• Artistic Style and Legacy

• Net Worth

• Lessons from Her Journey

• Conclusion

• FAQs

Quick Bio

Early Life and Background

June Baranco grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in a home where discipline, honesty, and education were guiding values. From the time she was young, she gravitated toward art—sketching, painting, and even making simple designs just for fun. These early creative sparks shaped her personality and gave her a place to express herself. Her upbringing blended warm Southern traditions with a love for craft and culture, helping her develop both her imagination and a strong work ethic.

Current Age and Physical Appearance

As of June 2025, June Baranco is 77 years old. Although she rarely makes public appearances, photos from earlier years show a woman with a graceful sense of style and a calm, thoughtful presence. She has always embraced elegance in a natural, understated way. Even without the spotlight, her confidence and artistic spirit still shine through.

Education and Artistic Training

June’s artistic path began early when she attended New York’s High School of Art and Design. That environment allowed her to polish her skills and deepen her passion for creativity.

After high school, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University, building a strong technical foundation. She continued refining her craft at several prestigious institutions:

• Parsons School of Design

• Art Students League of New York

• Pierce College in California

She also trained with respected artists like Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks, both known for their mastery of realism. These experiences helped June develop a style rich in detail, emotion, and storytelling, expressed through oil painting, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut prints.

Meeting Bryant Gumbel

June met Bryant Gumbel in the late 1960s. At the time, she was working as a Delta flight attendant, while Bryant was beginning his career in journalism. Their connection grew quickly, and before long, they built a strong relationship that led to their marriage in 1973. As Bryant’s career expanded, the couple became widely recognized, though June always preferred a life grounded in family and creativity rather than fame.

Who Is Bryant Gumbel?

Bryant Gumbel, born September 29, 1948, is a highly respected American journalist and sportscaster. He became nationally known as a co-host of NBC’s Today show, where his interviews and reporting earned him praise across the industry. Later, he hosted Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel on HBO, a show known for its thoughtful, in-depth sports journalism. His career has been marked by professionalism, strong storytelling, and a willingness to highlight meaningful social issues.

Marriage to Bryant Gumbel and Family Life

June and Bryant married in 1973 and welcomed two children: Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth. While Bryant’s career soared, June devoted much of her time to creating a loving, steady home for their family. She managed the responsibilities of motherhood with care, all while quietly nurturing her own artistic talents. Her ability to balance both roles became one of the defining qualities of her early adult life.

Challenges Within the Marriage

Behind the scenes, June faced emotional challenges throughout her marriage. These included long periods of distance, infidelity, and financial limitations that did not reflect the lifestyle of a household supported by a successful television figure. Despite those hardships, June carried herself with dignity, leaning on her inner strength and refusing to lose her sense of self. These struggles eventually led her to choose her own wellbeing and pursue a different path.

Divorce and Legal Battle

In 2001, June filed for divorce, a decision that brought significant attention because of Bryant’s public profile. The legal process was tense, especially when attempts were made to move assets out of reach. The court ultimately ruled in June’s favor, granting her half of their estate. This included:

• A Westchester mansion

• An Upper East Side apartment in New York

The divorce marked a turning point. It allowed June to reclaim control of her life and rebuild her identity after years of emotional strain. More importantly, it opened the door to a period of growth, healing, and renewed creativity.

June Baranco’s Children and Family Values

June has always placed her children at the center of her world. She raised Bradley and Jillian with strong family values—respect, resilience, and empathy. She protected them from unnecessary attention and ensured they grew up with stability and love. Even though she built a life independent of the spotlight, her presence as a mother remained consistent, grounded, and deeply supportive.

Life After Divorce: Art, Healing, and Reinvention

Once the marriage ended, June fully returned to her art, allowing it to become both a personal refuge and a way to contribute to the community. Some of her meaningful projects include:

• A woodcut created for Boston’s African Meeting House

• An art installation for North General Hospital in Harlem

Through her work, she honored culture, heritage, and stories that mattered to her. Creativity became a way for her to heal and channel her experiences into something lasting. She also chose a quiet lifestyle, far removed from publicity, focusing instead on peace, family, and purpose.

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Geaux Chapeaux: June Baranco’s Entrepreneurial Venture

June’s journey as an entrepreneur began unexpectedly. In 2011, she made a hat for her daughter’s wedding because she couldn’t find one that matched the style or price she wanted. That simple project sparked an idea, and soon Geaux Chapeaux was born.

Her handcrafted hat brand blends:

• Vintage charm

• Southern influences

• Exquisite craftsmanship

June uses carefully chosen vintage fabrics and trims, many of which reflect her Louisiana roots. Each hat has a timeless, personal touch—something that makes Geaux Chapeaux stand apart. The brand is not just a business; it’s an extension of her artistry and heritage.

Private Life, Mentorship, and Artistic Community Involvement

June prefers a life away from public attention and stays off social media. Still, she remains deeply involved in the art community. She is an active member of:

• The Salmagundi Club

• The Portrait Society of America

• The Artist Fellowship of New York

Through workshops and mentoring, she quietly supports younger artists, sharing her knowledge without seeking recognition. Her influence often happens behind the scenes, but it leaves a meaningful impact.

Artistic Style and Legacy

June’s artwork is grounded in realism. She pays close attention to emotion, expression, and the subtle details that bring subjects to life. Her favorite mediums include:

• Oil painting

• Pastels

• Watercolors

• Woodcut prints

Her themes often explore heritage, identity, and community—reflecting both her roots and her lived experiences. June’s legacy isn’t about fame; it’s about honesty, creativity, and the courage to stay true to her own voice.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

June keeps her financial life private, so her exact net worth isn’t publicly known. After her divorce, she received valuable assets, including real estate. Combined with income from her artwork and hat business, she has built a comfortable, stable life. Her financial journey reflects persistence and hard work rather than a focus on wealth or public image.

Lessons from June Baranco’s Life

There’s a lot to learn from June’s story:

• Resilience matters. Quiet strength can carry you through the toughest moments.

• Identity is personal. You don’t have to be defined by someone else’s spotlight.

• Creativity heals. Art can be both an outlet and a way to rebuild yourself.

• Authenticity is powerful. Staying true to your values brings long-term peace.

Her journey shows that fulfillment often comes from staying grounded, embracing your talents, and choosing a life that reflects your true self.

Conclusion

June Baranco’s life is a blend of courage, creativity, and reinvention. From her childhood in Baton Rouge to her artistic life in New York, she has walked a path shaped by determination and heart. Her story is not just about being connected to a public figure—it’s about finding strength in your own voice and building a meaningful life on your own terms. June continues to inspire through her art, her resilience, and the graceful way she has navigated every chapter of her journey.

FAQs About June Baranco

1. Who is June Baranco?
She is a visual artist, milliner, and entrepreneur known for her creativity and perseverance. She is also the former wife of journalist Bryant Gumbel but has built a private, independent life focused on art and family.

2. When and where was she born?
She was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

3. What kind of art does she create?
June works in realism using oil, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut techniques.

4. How many children does she have?
She has two children: Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth.

5. What is Geaux Chapeaux?
It’s her handcrafted hat brand featuring designs made from vintage fabrics tied to her Southern heritage.

6. Did she remarry after her divorce?
No, she chose to remain single and focus on her personal growth, art, and community involvement.

7. Where does she live now?
She lives privately in the New York City area.

8. What organizations is she part of?
She is affiliated with the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York.