Bob Barker, the beloved host of the iconic game show ‘The Price Is Right’, passed away at the age of 99. Barker’s cause of death has been revealed as Alzheimer’s Disease, according to his death certificate obtained by PEOPLE. Alongside Alzheimer’s, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and hyperlipidemia were also listed as contributing factors.
Barker had been living with Alzheimer’s for “years”, although the specific time of diagnosis was not provided. This news comes as a blow to fans who have admired Barker’s talent and charisma for decades.
The late host had experienced numerous health issues in recent years. In January 2019, paramedics were called to his home after a fall, although he did not require hospitalization. In October 2018, an ambulance and the fire department were dispatched to his home in response to a “non-emergency back problem”.
Barker’s publicist, Roger Neal, announced the news of his passing on August 26th, expressing profound sadness. Barker’s girlfriend, Nancy Burnet, also shared her thoughts, highlighting the couple’s joint efforts to expose cruelty to animals in the entertainment industry and improve the lives of abused and exploited animals.
As a tribute to Barker, CBS, the network where he hosted ‘The Price Is Right’ for 35 years, aired a primetime special in his honor. Drew Carey, the current host of the show, spoke warmly of Barker’s immense contribution to the world of television. He emphasized that Barker’s legacy extends beyond ‘The Price Is Right’, as he was a radio host and a naval aviator during World War II.
Barker’s career began in 1972 when he took the helm of ‘The Price Is Right’. The show went on to become the longest-running game show in U.S. history, solidifying Barker as the longest-serving game show host. Reflecting on his time with the show, Barker revealed, “I had the pleasure of working with a dedicated and talented cast and crew for 35 great years.”
Bob Barker’s impact on the entertainment industry and his dedication to animal rights will be remembered for years to come. May he rest in peace.
