What Happened to Dian Parkinson?

Dian Parkinson, born Dianna Lynn Batts on November 30, 1944, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, began her path to fame through beauty pageants. In 1965, she won the Miss District of Columbia USA title, competed in Miss USA, and subsequently won the Miss World USA contest, placing first runner-up in the international Miss World competition. She also toured with the Bob Hope USO Show, including performances in Vietnam.

Her most significant role came in 1975 when she joined the cast of the popular game show "The Price Is Right." For 18 years, she was a familiar and beloved "Barker's Beauty," becoming one of the show's longest-serving models, known for her charm and elegance. During her time on the show, Parkinson also garnered attention for her appearances in Playboy magazine, gracing its cover in December 1991 and again in May 1993, and releasing a Celebrity Centerfold video.

Parkinson's departure from "The Price Is Right" in June 1993 was initially announced as a pursuit of other interests. However, the following year, her exit became the subject of national headlines when she filed an $8 million sexual harassment lawsuit against host Bob Barker. She alleged that she was coerced into a three-year sexual relationship with Barker to keep her job. Barker initially denied the claims but later admitted to a consensual sexual relationship with Parkinson, which he stated lasted about a year and a half. The lawsuit generated significant media attention, with Barker publicly calling Parkinson's claims a "shakedown."

In April 1995, Parkinson abruptly dropped the lawsuit. She cited the immense stress the legal battle was causing her health, including a bleeding ulcer, and the prohibitive legal costs as reasons for her decision. Following the withdrawal of the lawsuit, Dian Parkinson largely retreated from public life. Her reputation and image were significantly impacted, and she became a recluse, rarely being seen or heard from publicly. Her last known television appearance was a guest spot on "Space Ghost Coast to Coast" in 1994.

As of March 17, 2026, Dian Parkinson continues to live a very private life. She does not have a public social media presence and has made no public appearances in recent years. The most recent verifiable public information regarding her personal life was in November 2019, when she listed her residence in Westlake Village, California, for sale. Born in 1944, she turned 81 in November 2025. Her estimated net worth varies widely across sources, ranging from approximately $1 million to $24 million, reflecting her earnings from her modeling and television career, as well as potential investments.