Bob Barker, 97-Year-Old Ex-‘Price Is Right’ Host, Discusses Show’s Legacy – ‘There Was Much To Love’

Bob Barker, who spent 35 years hosting “The Price Is Right” before he retired back in 2007, talked about the game show’s legacy as the program prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary next month. 

Bob Barker Discusses ‘The Price Is Right’ Legacy

“I’m often asked what I loved most about my years with ‘Price,’ and the first thing that pops to mind is… the money, of course!” Barker, 97, told People Magazine.

“All kidding aside, there was much to love,” he added. “I had the pleasure of working with a dedicated and talented cast and crew for 35 great years. Particularly close to my heart was the ability our vast popularity gave me to remind our entire audience daily about the importance of spaying and neutering your pets.”

Related: ‘Price Is Right’ PrimeTime Special To Feature Drag Queen Raising Money For Planned Parenthood

Drew Carey, who took over as host, revealed the one piece of advice that Barker gave him.

“We were out to lunch, and his advice was, ‘Don’t try to copy me. Just make it your own show,’” he recalled. 

Drew Carey is preparing to start his fifteenth season as host of ‘The Price Is Right’, and he can’t believe how much time has gone by since he started hosting. 

“There’s so many things that have happened in my personal life while I’ve been on this show,” Carey said. “My son Connor is 16 now, and I’ve watched him grow up. In a lot of ways I feel like I’ve been here my whole life,”

Bob Barker Still Watches ‘The Price Is Right’

A friend of Barker’s told Closer Weekly last year that he still tunes in to watch “The Price Is Right” often, and that he has “no regrets.”

“We didn’t solve the world’s problems,” Barker once said. “But we hopefully helped you to forget your problems for just a while.”

Barker is also the creator of the DJ&T Foundation, which aims to provide low-cost spay and neutering services, and to fight animal mistreatment.

“Bob is a trailblazer in his devotion to the well-being of animals,” the friend said. 

Related: Horrified Viewers Ditch ‘The Price Is Right’ After RuPaul Special Raises $100k For Planned Parenthood

A Legacy To Celebrate

The friend went on to say that these days, Barker is “not that mobile but can get around with assistance in his wheelchair.”

While Barker is still enjoying life, he is also looking forward to being in Heaven with his wife Dorothy Jo, who tragically passed away in 1981. 

“He’s not afraid,” said another source close to him. “I think he can’t wait for the day that he and Dorothy Jo are reunited.”

Bob Barker brought joy to millions of people on a daily basis during his time on “The Price Is Right.”

It’s heartwarming to see that one of America’s most beloved game show hosts still loving life. He should be happy with both his life’s legacy, and that of the show. 

If you love Bob Barker and “The Price Is Right”, you’ll enjoy this video throwback all the way to 1982 when Barker walked on set to raucous applause for winning the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host!