The death of Bob Barker's wife, Dorothy Jo, caused a significant transformation at The Price Is Right set, including a change in Barker's attitude towards the show. Dorothy Jo died at age 57 on Oct. 19, 1981. Barker, who was described as his "biggest cheerleader," had considered suicide after her death. Barker began dating his girlfriend Nancy Burnet two years later and founded the DJ&T Foundation in 1995 in honor of his late wife and his mother, Tilly. The foundation focuses on assisting low-cost spay and neuter clinics to control animal overpopulation.