The Time is Right: Bob Barker Retires After 35 Years

At 83, Host of "The Price is Right" Has No Regrets

Wednesday was the last taping with Bob Barker as the master of ceremonies at the Price is Right. According to the Associated Press, Barker will officially retire Thursday, and this final show will air June 15.

Fans from across the nation camped outside the CBS studios for a chance to see this American icon make his last appearance on "The Price Is Right." According to the LA Times, fans passed the time by playing games and speculating on what surprises Barker might have for everyone present.

The Associated Press reports that Barker was remarkably composed throughout the taping, answering fans' questions during the commercial breaks. As the show came to an end, Barker blew kisses to the studio and television audiences, closing the show with his usual, "Help control the pet population, have your pets spayed or neutered. Goodbye everybody."

After repeatedly thanking the studio audience, Barker held a press conference and spoke to reporters. According to the Associated Press, that is when some emotion showed through, as Barker talked about spending the morning reminiscing about the last 50 years on daytime television. "I really had myself worked up into an emotional state," he said. "And I thought, `I've really got to get over there and do this show. Straighten yourself out, Barker.'"

During the press conference, Barker was asked what he thought made him such an American favorite for so many years. According to the Associated Press, Barker said: "Hosts of shows are like pie. Some people like lemon, some like cherry, some like apple, and fortunately a lot of them like the Barker kind." Barker also said another quality that contributed to his success is his ability to listen. "When I talk with someone, I listen. And I think if you do, you're going to find little nuggets of gold to go with."

According to the Associated Press, Barker told reporters he has no regrets about retiring, although he expected he would have some second thoughts. He talked of his after-the-show plans, which will be filled with travel, exercise and working with his favorite animal charity.