Here’s Why Iconic Game Show Host Bob Barker Won’t Have A Funeral Or Memorial

bob barker passing

The tragic news of Bob Barker passing away at the age of 99 on August 26, 2023, left folks reeling. But the iconic game show host made sure there would be no big-time funeral or memorial service after he left this world. Here’s why.

Bob Barker became a household name after spending decades hosting the popular game show, The Price Is Right. He was the inaugural host when the show launched in 1972. He remained on the game show until, at the age of 83, Bob Barker finally retired and comedian Drew Carey took over his duties as host.

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After retiring, Bob Barker quietly lived out his remaining years until his passing with his long-time partner of 40 years, Nancy Burnet. He died at the age of 99 at his home in Hollywood Hills. An update released later identified his death as a result of Alzheimer’s Disease, a diagnosis not publicly known. High blood pressure, hypothyroidism and high cholesterol were also listed as other conditions contributing to Bob Barker’s death.

Iconic Game Show Host Will Not Have A Funeral

Typically, when a celebrity dies, their funeral or memorial service gets a lot of attention. But after Bob Barker’s passing, his loved ones opted to honor his final wishes, which was to not have a funeral or memorial service.

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"He just felt that should be something very private,” explained his publicist, Roger Neal. “So we're just following his wishes. He wanted the burial to be private.”

Bob will be buried in the plot he purchased decades ago, next to his late wife, Dorothy Jo Barker.

"They'll be together, side by side at Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood hills," Roger confirmed.

Dorothy passed away in 1981 from lung cancer. She and Bob were high school sweethearts and enjoyed a marriage lasting 36 years. They also both shared a love for helping animals, and Bob founded the DJ&T Foundation in her honor, an organization dedicated to aiding low-cost spay and neuter clinics.

Bob Barker’s Long-time Girlfriend

The passing of his wife sent Bob Barker into a deep depression and he vowed to never marry again. However, he met Nancy Burnet in 1987. She also shared a love and passion for helping animals.

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Though the two never wed, they enjoyed a life partnership for over 40 years. And Bob’s longtime publicist attributes the couple’s relationship as the reason the game show host “was able to live for so long.”

"They've been together since 1983,” Roger Neal explained. “She was in charge of everything for Barker. She took such excellent care of him all these years. Even the last years as he was getting well into his 90s, she really made sure she had the best of everything."

Reactions To News Of Bob Barker Passing Away

It was sad to hear about Bob Barker passing away. And many took to social media to express their heartache over the loss of the iconic game show host.

Adam Sandler, who shared a comedic fight scene with Bob in his film Happy Gilmore, wrote, “Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me. He will be missed by everyone I know!”

Drew Carey also paid tribute to his predecessor, saying, “There hasn't been a day on set that I didn't think of Bob Barker and thank him. I will carry his memory in my heart forever.”

Plenty of others paid tribute to Bob Barker as well. And CBS put together an hour-long special, airing August 31, as a way to honor the late game show host.

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Though he is now gone, Bob Barker’s legacy will live on long after his passing. He will be remembered not just for his epic game show career, but also for the special passion he had for God’s creatures.

WATCH: Tribute To Bob Barker, Iconic Game Show Host

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h/t: Yahoo

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/The New York Times

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