On August 26, 2023, at the age of 99, Bob Barker, the iconic presenter of 'The Price Is Right,' bid farewell. After an illustrious 35-year run, Barker retired from his role as host in 2007.Jodi Guglielmi and Nicholas Rice reported on this, and Barker's passing was confirmed by PEOPLE. He breathed his last due to natural causes at his cherished home in Hollywood Hills earlier this week. Roger Neal, who acted as Barker's publicist between 1987 and 1994, and again from 2020, conveyed the sad news on behalf of Barker's partner, Nancy Burnet.In a statement, Neal expressed, "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the departure of Bob Barker, the World's Greatest MC who ever graced us."Burnet shared her sentiments, saying, "I take pride in the pioneering work that Barker and I embarked upon, shedding light on the mistreatment of animals in the entertainment industry and championing the cause for abused and exploited animals both in the United States and worldwide. Our friendship spanned four decades. He will be dearly missed."Barker leaves behind his half-brother Kent Valandra, along with half-nephews Robert Valandra and Chip Valandra, in addition to a half-niece, Vickie Valandra Kelly.To keep updated on PEOPLE's finest offerings, ranging from celebrity updates to compelling human stories, you can sign up for their free daily newsletter.Bob Barker's journey was captured in images. He grappled with various health issues in recent years. In January 2019, paramedics were summoned to Barker's Hollywood Hills residence when he took a fall. While an ambulance arrived at the scene, hospitalization was unnecessary.A few months prior, in October 2018, Barker's manager informed PEOPLE that an ambulance and fire brigade responded to Barker's home due to a "non-emergency back problem." Barker's manager later assured that he was "in good health and resting at home." This incident followed a head injury Barker sustained at home in June 2017.Barker's role as the host of 'The Price Is Right' spanned an impressive 35 years before he revealed his retirement plans at the age of 87. His final appearance on the iconic show, now helmed by Drew Carey, took place in 2007.Devoted fans often gathered outside CBS TV City in Los Angeles, enduring lengthy waits just to hear Barker utter his famous line, "And the actual retail price is…"Even as he stepped away, Barker himself had reservations about parting ways with the role that had solidified his status as a television legend. In 2007, he candidly shared with Entertainment Weekly, "For the last 10 or 15 years, I've contemplated quitting each year, and then I think, 'No, I'll give it another year.' I do regret leaving now."Bob Barker embarked on his television journey when he relocated to Los Angeles in 1956. Within days, he secured his inaugural hosting role on 'Truth or Consequences,' where he excelled for a remarkable 18 years.His tenure as the host of 'The Price Is Right' began in 1972 on CBS. The show's immediate success propelled it to become the longest-running game show in U.S. history, simultaneously establishing Barker as the most enduring game show host.Despite occasional appearances in notable films, such as Adam Sandler's 1996 comedy 'Happy Gilmore,' Barker's true legacy remained rooted in television. As he once confided, "It might be hard to believe, but I've thoroughly enjoyed hosting this show all these years," in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.Barker was previously married to Dorothy Jo for 36 years, until her passing in 1981. The couple did not have children, and Barker never remarried."
