June Baranco, born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is an accomplished American visual artist, designer, and businesswoman best known for her creativity and resilience. While many recognize her as the former wife of television journalist Bryant Gumbel, June’s story extends far beyond that association. She built a meaningful career as an artist, specializing in oil, watercolor, and pastel works that reflect emotional depth and cultural beauty. Over the years, she also became the founder of Geaux Chapeaux, a handcrafted hat brand inspired by her Louisiana roots and artistic flair. Through her art and entrepreneurship, June has shown strength, independence, and authenticity, choosing a life defined not by fame but by purpose and creativity. Her journey from Baton Rouge to New York stands as a testament to self-discovery, artistic dedication, and the quiet power of living life on one’s own terms.
Quick Bio: June Baranco
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
| Age (as of 2025) | 77 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | BFA from Louisiana State University; studied at Parsons School of Design, The Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College |
| Profession | Visual Artist, Designer, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Former wife of Bryant Gumbel; Founder of Geaux Chapeaux |
| Spouse | Bryant Gumbel (married 1973 – divorced 2001) |
| Children | Bradley Christopher Gumbel, Jillian Beth Gumbel |
| Business | Founder of Geaux Chapeaux (handcrafted hat brand) |
| Art Associations | Salmagundi Club, The Portrait Society of America, Artist Fellowship of New York |
| Current Residence | New York City area |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Not publicly disclosed (received significant assets post-divorce) |
| Public Presence | Private; avoids social media and public appearances |
Early Life and Family Background
June Carlyn Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she grew up in a warm and culturally rich environment. Her upbringing in the South shaped her deep appreciation for art, community, and tradition. Her family valued education, hard work, and respect, qualities that became the foundation of her life and career. From a young age, June showed a passion for creativity, sketching, painting, and designing clothes for fun. Her early surroundings exposed her to the charm of southern aesthetics, from vibrant local colors to the textures of daily life, which later influenced her artwork. Though her family details are private, it is clear that she was raised with discipline and compassion, helping her develop both strength and sensitivity. Baton Rouge gave her a sense of belonging and creativity that continued to guide her as she built her artistic and personal identity in later years.
Education and Artistic Training
June Baranco’s education reflects her lifelong commitment to artistic excellence. She attended New York’s High School of Art and Design, where her creative abilities began to flourish. She later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University, an experience that gave her both technical training and academic confidence. Determined to refine her craft, June pursued advanced studies at some of the most prestigious art institutions, Parsons School of Design, The Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College in California. She studied under renowned artists Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks, learning to balance technical mastery with emotional depth in her art. Over time, June became proficient in several media, including oil, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut, each reflecting her versatility and precision. Her education not only prepared her professionally but also gave her the tools to express personal stories through visual form.
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Artistic Style and Career Development
June Baranco’s artistic career centers on realism infused with deep emotional and cultural narratives. Her portraits and landscapes reflect her connection to humanity, identity, and southern heritage. Her art captures not only likeness but also emotion, each piece revealing quiet strength and introspection. Throughout her career, June contributed to notable projects, including a woodcut piece for Boston’s historic African Meeting House and art installations for North General Hospital in Harlem. She also provided illustrations for the Ohio Department of Social Services, merging creativity with social awareness. As a member of respected art organizations such as the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York, she has gained recognition among her peers for her refined talent. Her artistic themes often revolve around identity, womanhood, and the resilience of the human spirit, reflecting her life philosophy and personal journey.
June Baranco Marriage to Bryant Gumbel
June Baranco met Bryant Gumbel in the late 1960s while working as a Delta Airlines flight attendant, and their chemistry was immediate. They married in 1973, beginning a nearly 30-year marriage marked by both public admiration and private struggles. As Bryant’s career took off on NBC’s Today show and later on HBO’s Real Sports, June chose to support him behind the scenes, creating a stable home and raising their two children, Bradley and Jillian. She played a significant role in his success, often sacrificing her own career ambitions for the family’s well-being. Despite living under the shadow of her husband’s fame, June maintained her individuality and grace, balancing domestic life with her artistic pursuits. Her marriage reflected her commitment to family values, even amid the pressures of fame and public life.
Who Is Bryant Gumbel?
Bryant Gumbel is an award-winning American journalist and sportscaster best known for hosting NBC’s Today show for over 15 years and later HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Throughout his career, he earned acclaim for his intelligent reporting, calm demeanor, and professional excellence. His prominence on national television made him one of the most respected journalists of his generation. June Baranco’s connection to him brought her into the public spotlight, but she always maintained her privacy. While Bryant’s fame often dominated headlines, June’s life stood as a counterpoint, quiet, purposeful, and deeply rooted in personal integrity.
Challenges Within the Marriage
Behind their seemingly glamorous marriage, June Baranco faced many personal and emotional challenges. Over the years, she endured emotional distance and discovered Bryant’s infidelities, which caused great pain. Despite being married to a man of significant wealth, June reportedly lived on a modest allowance, managing household and family responsibilities with dignity. These experiences tested her resilience but also revealed her strength and self-respect. While the public saw a polished, successful couple, June privately fought to maintain balance and self-worth in a relationship that often left her feeling overlooked. Her perseverance during this time demonstrated her quiet courage, setting the stage for the independence she would later achieve.
Divorce and Legal Settlement
After nearly 30 years of marriage, June Baranco filed for divorce from Bryant Gumbel in 2001, citing infidelity and emotional neglect. The divorce proceedings attracted media attention due to Bryant’s celebrity status. Despite attempts to conceal assets, the court ruled in June’s favor, awarding her half of their marital estate, which included a luxurious mansion in Westchester and an Upper East Side apartment in New York. For June, the settlement symbolized not revenge but justice and closure. It marked a turning point a chance to rebuild her life and reclaim her identity outside of her husband’s fame. She handled the process with remarkable grace and dignity, emerging from the experience stronger and more self-assured.
Family and Children
June Baranco is the proud mother of two children, Bradley Christopher Gumbel and Jillian Beth Gumbel. Throughout her marriage and after, she remained deeply devoted to their upbringing, prioritizing emotional stability and strong values over public exposure. Her parenting style was nurturing yet disciplined, teaching her children the importance of humility and perseverance. Despite her separation from Bryant, June continued to maintain a positive family environment, ensuring her children were surrounded by love and support. Both Bradley and Jillian grew up respecting their mother’s quiet strength and independence, values that have guided their own lives.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce, June Baranco deliberately stepped away from public attention and chose a peaceful, creative life focused on art and personal growth. She returned to painting and community-based art projects, finding healing through her creativity. Her work was featured in exhibitions and commissioned pieces that reflected her renewed spirit. June also began mentoring younger artists, sharing her experience and techniques with the next generation. Instead of seeking publicity, she embraced privacy, devoting her energy to meaningful work. This phase of her life represents freedom, a woman reclaiming her purpose and identity through art, grace, and self-expression.
Entrepreneurship – Geaux Chapeaux
In 2011, June Baranco turned her artistic eye toward fashion design, launching Geaux Chapeaux, a handcrafted hat business. The idea was born when she designed a hat for her daughter’s wedding and received enthusiastic feedback. Inspired by southern heritage and vintage elegance, she began creating hats using antique fabrics and trims collected over the years. Each piece reflected her love for artistry, storytelling, and individuality. The brand’s name, “Geaux,” honors her Louisiana roots, blending cultural pride with creative freedom. Geaux Chapeaux became more than a business it was a statement of independence, proof that creativity can flourish at any stage of life.
Private Life and Mentorship
June Baranco has intentionally chosen a private lifestyle, avoiding social media and public appearances. Instead, she focuses on personal fulfillment, artistic mentorship, and meaningful community involvement. As an active member of The Salmagundi Club, The Portrait Society of America, and The Artist Fellowship of New York, she mentors emerging artists and participates in art workshops. Her life today reflects balance a blend of quiet reflection, creativity, and purposeful influence. June’s mentorship has touched many aspiring artists, proving that her influence extends far beyond her own creations.
June Baranco Legacy and Life Lessons
June Baranco’s legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and dignity. From her early years in Louisiana to her later success as an artist and entrepreneur, she has lived life on her own terms. Her story teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and self-respect that one can rebuild after hardship and still shine with grace. June turned personal pain into power, using art as both therapy and expression. Her life continues to inspire others, especially women, to find strength in independence and beauty in authenticity. She reminds us that legacy is not about fame but about impact and inner peace.
June Baranco Net Worth and Financial Overview
June Baranco’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, after her 2001 divorce from Bryant Gumbel, she received significant assets, including prime real estate holdings. Over time, she also built income streams through her artistic work and her handcrafted hat business, Geaux Chapeaux. Her financial success reflects independence and careful management rather than extravagance. June’s wealth symbolizes self-reliance, the result of perseverance, creativity, and wise choices made after starting over in life.
Conclusion
June Baranco’s journey from Baton Rouge to New York City is a story of transformation, artistry, and inner strength. While many remember her as the ex-wife of Bryant Gumbel, her true identity shines through her art, independence, and resilience. She turned challenges into inspiration and built a life filled with meaning, creativity, and grace. Today, June stands as an example of how personal reinvention is possible at any age by staying true to one’s values and embracing life with quiet confidence and courage.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is an American visual artist and designer best known for her elegant paintings and handcrafted hats. She is also widely recognized as the former wife of TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. Beyond her public association, June built her own creative legacy through her art and business, Geaux Chapeaux.
2. When and where was June Baranco born?
She was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. Growing up in the South deeply influenced her artistic sensibility and appreciation for culture and community. Her southern roots remain visible in her creative work and brand identity.
3. What is June Baranco’s educational background?
June earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University and studied further at Parsons School of Design and the Art Students League of New York. She also attended Pierce College in California, refining her skills in oil, watercolor, pastel, and woodcut techniques.
4. What kind of art does June Baranco create?
June’s artwork is known for its realism, emotional expression, and refined technique. She creates portraits, landscapes, and woodcut illustrations that often reflect themes of resilience, heritage, and identity. Her mastery of multiple media highlights her versatility as an artist.
5. What is Geaux Chapeaux?
Geaux Chapeaux is June Baranco’s handcrafted hat brand, founded in 2011. Inspired by her Louisiana heritage, the brand features vintage fabrics and unique designs blending southern charm with timeless elegance. It showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for fashion craftsmanship.
6. Was June Baranco married to Bryant Gumbel?
Yes, June Baranco was married to Bryant Gumbel, a well-known television journalist, from 1973 to 2001. Their marriage lasted nearly 30 years, during which June supported his career while raising their two children, Bradley and Jillian.
7. How many children does June Baranco have?
June has two children with Bryant Gumbel, a son, Bradley Christopher Gumbel, and a daughter, Jillian Beth Gumbel. She raised them with strong family values and has always prioritized privacy and emotional grounding in their upbringing.
8. Where is June Baranco now, and what is she doing?
June Baranco currently lives a quiet, private life in the New York City area. She continues to create art, design hats, and mentor young artists through organizations like the Salmagundi Club and The Portrait Society of America. Her focus remains on creativity, peace, and purpose.
