Bob Barker and Dorothy Jo were happily married, and she helped him along the way to fame. But regrettably, lung disease claimed Jo’s life just as he had cemented his position as a Hollywood legend. Barker is still in mourning 41 years later, but he has set aside a location for their reunion.
Bob Barker, a former host of television game shows, and his late wife Dorothy Jo had a long and devoted marriage. Until Jo went away, Barker thought of her as his true love and the two had a lovely connection.
They embarked on their first date at an Ella Fitzgerald performance in Missouri not long after they first met. Barker made the decision to live the rest of his life with Jo at that very moment.
Barker and Jo routinely exchanged letters and phone calls. The two ultimately obtained a license from Ozark, Missouri after maintaining consistent contact for years.
The couple later were married on January 12, 1945, after Barker’s enlistment in the navy. Here are further specifics about Barker and Jo’s protracted relationship.
The couple then relocated to California in 1950 in quest of brighter pastures. Fortunately, everything worked out well for Barker and Jo when the former was granted the chance to host his radio program, “The Bob Barker Show.”
In short time, Barker’s program had begun playing on many radio stations in California. Jo served as her man’s support system as the legend worked hard to further his broadcasting profession via the program.
Years later, Barker would admit that he spoke to Jo about hosting “Truth or Consequence” when he first had the chance, and as he had predicted, she supported him and offered her complete support. According to Barker
“I was employed by a radio station. I also finally had the chance to do an audience-participation performance. I heard it, Dorothy Jo. That’s what you should do, she said when I arrived home.”
The former game show presenter was careful to maintain a healthy work-life balance. One time, Barker said that he and Jo had a routine that kept their love and relationship strong.
He said he and Jo would have a glass of wine at the end of the day and converse before dinner. Barker referred to the routine as “conversation time.” Jo was ultimately more to her husband than just a wife. She was someone Barker could rely on, as well as a friend.
But regrettably, Jo’s passing in October 1981 turned his life upside down. After a six-month fight with lung cancer, she passed away at age 57, devastating her partner.
Barker had no intention of getting married again after losing the woman of his life. Jo had been his wife for 36 years, and over that time, they had become used to one another. Therefore, the idea of falling in love again seemed improbable.
Jo was ultimately responsible for a large portion of Barker’s professional achievements, and she was his greatest blessing.
Bob Barker Honors His Departed Wife
Even though his wife is no longer with him, Barker still cares deeply for Jo, and he keeps her memory alive.
The legend visited Jo’s grave with lovely daisy flowers in 2017 to honor his late wife on the 36th anniversary of her passing.
After placing the flowers, Barker spent 20 minutes cleaning the gravestone next to Jo’s burial at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
However, as shown in a video on the “SCOTT ON TAPE – Your Pop Culture Tour Guide” YouTube channel, Barker gets his gravestone prepared next to Jo’s awaiting their reunion even though he no longer visits Jo’s cemetery.
Since Jo passed away 41 years ago, Barker’s gravestone is said to have stood close to hers.
As he anticipates reconnecting with Jo at the age of 99, the guy who misses his wife is not scared to bid farewell to the world.