The reason Bob Barker won’t have a funeral or memorial service

Friends and family of the late Bob Barker are carrying out his final wishes after his death, which included no funeral.

According to his longtime publicist Roger Neal, the TV legend requested “no funeral or memorial service.” “He just felt it was something very private.” So we’re simply carrying out his wishes. He desired a private burial.”

Barker, best known as the first host of the CBS game show “The Price Is Right,” will be laid to rest next to his wife Dorothy Jo Barker, as was his wish. She died of lung cancer in 1981.

For decades, the beloved TV personality owned the plot of land next to her grave to ensure they would be together forever. “They’ll be buried together, side by side, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills,” Neal said.

Following the announcement on Aug. 26, celebrities paid their respects to the television veteran, including Adam Sandler, who wrote on Instagram, “The man. The legend. “The very best.””Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with,” he continued. I enjoyed talking with him. I had a great time laughing with him. I loved it when he kicked the crap out of me. Everyone I know will miss him! It was a heartbreaking day. Always love to Bob and his family! Thank you for everything you’ve done for us!”

Drew Carey, who took over as host of ‘The Price Is Right’ after Bob Barker, also shared a heartfelt tweet in his honor, captioned, “There hasn’t been a day on set that I didn’t think of Bob Barker and thank him.” I will cherish his memory for the rest of my life. #RIPBobBarker We adore you.”

While the beloved Emmy winner left the game show in 2007, Neal says the outpouring of love stems from his “love affair” with viewers.

“Barker would sit on the stage’s edge and converse with the audience before they left and during commercial breaks.” He was genuinely concerned about the audience. It was genuine when you saw people run on stage and give him a hug or kiss. That was sincere.” He embodied these traits until his final days, which Neal describes as “peaceful.”

Barker’s longevity, according to Neal, was due to his longtime companion Nancy Burnet, whom he credited as “the reason he was able to live for so long.”

“They’ve been together since 1983, and she oversaw everything for Barker.” She had been so good to him all these years. Even in his later years, when he was well into his 90s, she made certain she had the best of everything.”

He went on to say, “Nancy didn’t want to do any on-camera interviews because she’s just, you know, sad and emotional.”

Neal is also dealing with the loss of a long-term client, with whom he has been working since 1987. “People have asked me over the years, ‘Who is your favorite client?’ and the first name that comes to mind is always Bob Barker.”