Bob Barker’s Life Changes After Wife’s Death
Bob Barker, the beloved host of “The Price is Right,” reportedly experienced a significant shift in his personality following the death of his wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, in 1982.
In a new E! docuseries titled “Dirty Rotten Scandals,” those close to Barker opened up about his drastic change in behavior and the mental health struggles he faced during his grieving period. Former producer Barbara Hunter shared, “Bob and Dorothy Jo went to Hawaii in August, and she was diagnosed with lung cancer and died two months later. Bob really fell into a funk after that. He told me he was ready to take his own life.”
“He’s gone through so many changes,” Holly Hallstrom, a former model known as one of “Barker’s Beauties,” explained ahead of the show’s premiere. “Initially, he was just sad, and the atmosphere on set became somber. Then it was like he was living in this world where he was the supreme ruler, but not in a good way.” Barker and Gideon were married for 36 years until her untimely death at age 56. Barker later dated Nancy Barnett, who passed away in 2023.
The documentary also features Hallstrom’s insights into a toxic work environment filled with harassment and discrimination she witnessed during her time on the show. Hallstrom, who worked on “The Price is Right” from 1977 until her termination in 1995, attributes her firing to weight gain from medication and her refusal to stand by Barker during a lawsuit filed by a fellow model, Diane Parkinson, alleging sexual harassment.
Barker has consistently maintained that his relationships were consensual. “I want people to know the whole story, not just Mr. Barker’s perspective,” Hallstrom stated. “For years, only one side was heard, but our side is backed by documented testimony in court.” She acknowledged that the media attention surrounding the situation was troubling, stating, “It was terrible… and also flattered, in a way.” Hallstrom expressed her belief that the co-creator of the show, Mark Goodson, would have disapproved of the scandal overshadowing a family show.
“I wasn’t keen on getting involved at all,” Hallstrom said, reflecting on the pressure to publicly support Barker. “I thought it was lame. I couldn’t honestly say either way about Diane’s claims since I wasn’t around for that conversation.” In 1995, Parkinson dropped her lawsuit, citing emotional and financial tolls, while Barker asserted their relationship was consensual.
Now, Hallstrom avoids watching old clips of herself, seeing the situation in a new light. Yet, she has no regrets about auditioning for the show. “I remember trying so hard to appear graceful, but I see young women just having fun and entertaining,” she remarked. “Regardless of the chaos behind the scenes, I was happy to bring joy to the audience. It’s a gift.” Barker’s legacy continues to be defined by his 35 years as host of the iconic game show, where he won 19 Daytime Emmy Awards and served as executive producer starting in 1988. Even after retiring from hosting, he returned to the show several times, notably on his 90th birthday in 2013.
