Childhood and Education Journey of Bob Barker in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 3, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Bob Barker. A timeline of key moments.

Bob Barker was a prominent American media personality, best known as the long-time host of The Price Is Right from 1972 to 2007. Before that, he hosted Truth or Consequences from 1956 to 1975. Beyond his television career, Barker was a dedicated animal rights advocate. His career spanned decades, making him a recognizable figure in American entertainment.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

December 12, 1923: Robert William Barker Born

On December 12, 1923, Robert William Barker was born. He would later become a famous media personality, game show host, and animal rights advocate.

1940: Listed as Citizen of Rosebud Sioux Tribe

In 1940, The U.S. Indian Census Rolls listed Bob Barker as a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

1943: Joined United States Navy Reserve

In 1943, Bob Barker joined the United States Navy Reserve during World War II to train as a fighter pilot.

January 12, 1945: Married Dorothy Jo Gideon

On January 12, 1945, Bob Barker married Dorothy Jo Gideon while on leave from the military.

1945: Married Dorothy Jo Gideon

In 1945, Bob Barker married Dorothy Jo Gideon.

1950: Moved to California

In 1950, Bob Barker moved to California to advance his broadcasting career.

1981: Dorothy Jo Gideon's Death

In 1981, Dorothy Jo Gideon, Bob Barker's wife, died from lung cancer at age 57.

1983: Relationship with Nancy Burnet

From 1983 until his death, Bob Barker was in a long-term relationship with Nancy Burnet, a self-described "radical" animal rights activist.

October 15, 1987: Stopped Using Hair Dye

On October 15, 1987, Bob Barker stopped using hair dye and let his hair go gray, its natural color by that time.

1987: Request to remove fur prizes

In 1987, Bob Barker requested that fur prizes be removed from the Miss USA pageant. When the producers refused, Barker stepped down as host.

1989: Accusations of animal mistreatment

In 1989, Bob Barker and United Activists for Animal Rights (UAAR) accused several media projects and the American Humane Association of animal mistreatment and condoning it. This led to a $10 million lawsuit against Barker and the UAAR for libel, slander, and invasion of privacy.

1993: Ended relationship with Dian Parkinson

In 1993, Bob Barker ended his relationship with Dian Parkinson, a model on The Price Is Right.

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1994: DJ&T Foundation Founded

In 1994, Bob Barker founded the DJ&T Foundation, named after his late wife and mother. The foundation contributed millions to animal-neutering programs and funded animal rescue and park facilities across the United States.

1994: Dian Parkinson's Lawsuit

In 1994, former model Dian Parkinson filed a lawsuit against Bob Barker, alleging sexual harassment following a three-year affair while working on The Price Is Right. She later dropped the lawsuit, citing stress.

1994: Lawsuit settled

In 1994, the $10 million lawsuit against Bob Barker and the UAAR, which stemmed from accusations of animal mistreatment, was settled by the insurer.

1995: Holly Hallstrom Left The Price Is Right

In 1995, Holly Hallstrom left The Price Is Right and sued Bob Barker, alleging she was fired for refusing to give false information about Dian Parkinson's suit. Barker countersued for slander.

September 16, 1999: Testimony and Health Scare

On September 16, 1999, Bob Barker was in Washington, D.C., to testify before Congress regarding legislation to ban captive elephants from traveling shows. He experienced clumsiness and was diagnosed with a partially blocked left carotid artery, undergoing surgery to remove the blockage.

May 30, 2002: Barker Experienced a Stroke

On May 30, 2002, Bob Barker experienced a stroke and was hospitalized after taping the 30th-season finale of The Price is Right.

2004: $1 Million Donation to Columbia Law School

In 2004, Bob Barker donated $1 million to Columbia Law School to support the study of animal rights.

2005: Settlement with Holly Hallstrom

In 2005, Holly Hallstrom prevailed in her lawsuit against Bob Barker, receiving a settlement.

October 31, 2006: Announced Retirement

On October 31, 2006, Bob Barker announced that he would retire from The Price Is Right in June 2007.

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June 6, 2007: Taped Final Episode

On June 6, 2007, Bob Barker taped his final episode of The Price Is Right.

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June 2007: Retired from The Price Is Right

In June 2007, Bob Barker retired from The Price Is Right, with his final episode airing on June 15.

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October 2007: Deborah Curling's Lawsuit

In October 2007, Deborah Curling, a CBS employee, sued CBS, Bob Barker, and The Price Is Right producers, claiming she was forced to quit after testifying against Barker in a prior lawsuit. Curling also alleged a hostile work environment.

2007: No Regrets About Not Having Children

As of 2007, Bob Barker stated that he had no regrets about his decision to not have children.

2007: Retired from The Price Is Right

In 2007, Bob Barker retired from hosting The Price Is Right after a 50-year television career.

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April 6, 2009: Publication of Autobiography

On April 6, 2009, Bob Barker's autobiography, Priceless Memories, co-written with Digby Diehl, was published.

September 2009: Dismissal of Deborah Curling's Lawsuit

In September 2009, Deborah Curling's lawsuit against CBS, Bob Barker, and The Price Is Right producers was dismissed.

2009: Feud with Betty White and Donations to Law Schools

In 2009, Bob Barker wrote a letter requesting the closure of bear exhibits in Cherokee, North Carolina. He also threatened to not attend the 2009 Game Show Awards due to a feud with Betty White over animal treatment. White didn't attend. That same year, Barker donated $1 million to the University of Virginia Law School and made similar donations to other law schools to support animal rights studies.

2010: Donation to PETA

In 2010, Bob Barker donated $2.5 million toward the purchase of office space for PETA in Los Angeles.

2010: Sea Shepherd Ship Purchased

In 2010, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society announced it had purchased and outfitted a ship, named the MY Bob Barker, to interdict Japanese whaling operations in the Southern Ocean, using $5 million provided by Barker.

2011: Prenuptial Agreement Incident

In 2011, Bob Barker drafted a prenuptial agreement for Nancy Burnet's lawyer to review, but she refused to accept it.

January 2012: Dismissal of Lawsuit Affirmed

In January 2012, the California Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of Deborah Curling's lawsuit against CBS, Bob Barker, and The Price Is Right producers.

2012: The Bob Barker Building Opens

In 2012, The Bob Barker Building, purchased with Barker's donation, opened as office space for PETA in Los Angeles.

December 12, 2013: Guest Appearance for 90th Birthday

On December 12, 2013, Bob Barker made a guest appearance on The Price Is Right to celebrate his 90th birthday. He announced a contestant and one showcase.

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October 20, 2015: Barker's Fall

On October 20, 2015, Bob Barker was seen tripping and falling on a sidewalk by police officers near his Los Angeles home. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, received stitches for a forehead injury, and was released, also hurting his left knee.

June 19, 2017: Barker's Fall at Home

On June 19, 2017, Bob Barker slipped and hit his head at home. He was taken to the emergency room, checked, and released. It was reported to be less serious than his earlier fall.

November 2018: Barker Rushed to Hospital

In November 2018, Bob Barker was rushed to the hospital for severe back pain.

January 2019: Another Fall

In January 2019, Bob Barker suffered another fall, but he was not hospitalized.

August 2021: Last Public Interview

In August 2021, Bob Barker gave his last public interview to People, discussing The Price Is Right's upcoming 50th season on air.

2022: Barker's Medication

As of 2022, it was reported that Bob Barker was taking only one prescription medication for hypothyroidism, along with non-prescription supplements such as collagen and a meal replacement drink to replenish nutrients.