Bob Barker’s Partner of 40 Years Finally Says Why She Rejected All His Marriage Proposals Until He Died
- The late Bob Barker’s longtime partner, Nancy Burnet, has opened up about why she refused all his marriage proposals.
- News about what will happen to Barker’s fortune has also been revealed.
Iconic game show host of “The Price Is Right,” Bob Barker, passed away at 99. According to Barker’s publicist, Roger Neal, the beloved TV legend died in his residence in Hollywood Hills from natural causes.
Neal made the sad announcement on behalf of Barker’s longtime partner, Nancy Burnet, this past Saturday. Burnet cared for Barker to the best of her ability and ensured he was well looked after 24/7.
Bob Barker on “The Price Is Right” in Los Angeles, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
How Nancy Burnet and Bob Barker Met & Why She Refused to Marry Him before He Passed Away
Rewinding back to the years before Barker died, in March of 1983, Barker and Burnet had their initial meeting. The pair met at an event for animal adoption and ended up connecting over their shared affinity for animals and advancing their rights through activism.
After some years, the duo started a rescue, sanctuary, and wildlife preserve called DonkeyLand. This organization, which has a 2,000-acre plot, focuses on saving both burros and their natural environments. When speaking about his animal activism efforts with the Sea Shepard Conservation Society in a past interview, Barker mentioned Burnet and disclosed:
“I owe all of that to a wonderful lady named Nancy Burnet.”
Bob Barker and Nancy Burnet after a hearing on the “Captive Elephant Accident Prevention Act of 1999” in Washington, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
In a recent interview in which Burnet reflected on her relationship with Barker, she explained that outside of their shared passion for animals, Barker adored her for how she treated him. Burnet said that instead of treating him like a celebrity, she grounded him, fostering a solid level of trust and dependence. Barker and Burnet shared a special love and bond, so much so that she said he proposed to her on several occasions:
“…as the years went by, he proposed to me many times.”
However, Burnet was firm in her stance of simply not desiring to get married, period. But Barker was just as persistent in his desire to marry her and even had his lawyer draft a prenup, to which she again declined, citing the same lack of willingness to marry not only Barker but anyone. Still adamant and unfazed by the vast age gap between the two, Barker continued to pop the question even as their relationship turned platonic.
Nancy Burnet Will Oversee How Bob Barker’s Wealth Will Be Donated
Fast-forwarding to the present day, regarding what will happen to Barker’s fortune, a significant portion of the animal rights activist’s estate will be divided among many causes that were close to his heart. According to Neal, of that wealth, most will be donated to more than 40 animal rights initiatives and military non-profits.
Bob Barker speaking at a conference he hosted to reform the “No Animals Harmed” movie label in Los Angeles, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Bob Barker speaking at a news conference discussing the launch of a congressional initiative regarding the use of animals in the entertainment industry in Washington, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Some of these organizations include the Sea Shepard Conservation Society and DonkeyLand Rescue. Another organization that will receive a portion of his estate is the United Activists for Animal Rights, of which Burnet is the President. Barker has also left Burnet in charge of everything to do with donating the portions of his wealth.
Bob Barker and Nancy Burnet at the Animal Defenders International Gala in Hollywood, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Barker continues to be severely missed by all who knew and loved him.
