Bryant Gumbel’s Wife Expresses ‘Gratitude’ Following His Health Scare
Bryant Gumbel’s wife, Hilary Gumbel, seems to be addressing his recent health scare.
The former beloved Today show co-host, now 77, was reportedly hospitalized following a “medical emergency.”
Fortunately, it appears Bryant is recovering, with Hilary sharing an uplifting message on Wednesday, October 22, after the news broke.
She posted a picture on her Instagram Story of sunlight filtering through a tree adorned with autumn leaves, captioning it simply with the word “gratitude.”
Bryant was taken from his Manhattan apartment to a local hospital after 9 p.m. on Monday, October 20, as reported by TMZ.
The outlet further noted that he remained hospitalized as of Tuesday, with a family member affirming that Bryant was “OK.”
No additional details regarding his health issue have been disclosed.
Bryant began his journey with NBC’s Today in 1982, serving as a co-host for 15 years before moving to CBS in 1997.
He wed Hilary, an Emmy-winning producer, in 2002 following his divorce from his first wife, June Baranco. Bryant and June, who were married from 1973 to 2001, share two children, Bradley and Jillian.
In 2009, Bryant disclosed that he had undergone surgery to remove a malignant tumor along with part of his lung.
“It’s nothing to hide from,” he revealed on Live With Regis and Kelly. “They opened up my chest, took out a malignant tumor, part of my lung, and some other stuff. Most of the pathology reports showed benign results, but some aggressive cells had escaped, necessitating treatment, which I completed.”
The following year, Bryant updated fans on his recovery.
“I’m still doing well,” he told People. “Doctors have given me the all-clear, so I’m hoping for brighter days ahead.”
In June, he presented Today co-host Al Roker with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2025 News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
Roker expressed his gratitude on social media.
“So proud yet humbled to receive the @theemmys.tv Lifetime Achievement Award presented to me by my dear friend, Bryant Gumbel,” he wrote on Instagram then. “Having my brother, @christopher_roker, and his wife, @hardyroker, along with @nickroker155, made it special. Congratulations to @debrobertsabc on being inducted into the Silver Circle. Thanks, @adamsharpct, for a fantastic night.”
Bryant’s recent health incident isn’t the only challenge the family has faced this year.
In December 2024, his brother, longtime CBS sportscaster Greg Gumbel, passed away at 78 after battling cancer.
Greg’s wife, Marcy, and daughter, Michelle, confirmed his passing.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” their statement read. “He left us peacefully, surrounded by love, following a courageous fight against cancer. Greg faced his illness with the stoicism, grace, and positivity one would expect from him.”
His loved ones continued, “He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, celebrated by over 50 remarkable years in the sports broadcasting industry. His iconic voice will forever be remembered, and Greg’s memory will be cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who adored him.”
Greg hosted The NFL Today alongside Terry Bradshaw and covered the NCAA’s March Madness tournament from 1998 to 2023, until stepping back due to “family health issues.”
Following his death, David Berson, the president of CBS Sports, paid tribute to the renowned broadcaster.
“There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television,” he stated in a message, according to Entertainment Weekly. “He was loved and esteemed by those of us who had the privilege to call him a friend and colleague. A remarkable broadcaster and skilled storyteller, Greg led one of the most extraordinary and groundbreaking careers in sports broadcasting history.”
