Gayle King: CBS, Biography, Young, Husband, Age, Daughter, Oprah, and Net Worth
Gayle King Biography & Wiki
Gayle King is a renowned American television personality, award-winning broadcast journalist, and author. She currently co-hosts the flagship morning program “CBS Mornings” on CBS News—a role she has held since 2012. Beyond television, Gayle also serves as editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine, where she contributes to one of the most influential lifestyle publications in the U.S. Her broadcasting journey began humbly as a production assistant at WJZ-TV in Baltimore.
How Old is Gayle King? | Age & Birthday
Gayle King is 70 years old as of 2025. She was born on December 28, 1954, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA. She celebrates her birthday every year on 28th near the New Year,
Education
Gayle King attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her academic background gave her a strong foundation for understanding people—a skill she has masterfully applied throughout her journalism career.
Gayle King Young
In her younger years, Gayle King started out in broadcasting as a production assistant at WJZ-TV in Baltimore, where she worked alongside Oprah Winfrey. Her early career included stints at local stations before she eventually became a well-respected anchor at WFSB in Hartford, where she worked for nearly two decades. Photos from the ‘80s and ‘90s show a confident, stylish, and determined young Gayle already carving her path in journalism.
Nationality and Ethnicity
Gayle King is an American by nationality. She was born and raised in the U.S., and although her early childhood included time spent abroad in Ankara, Turkey, she proudly identifies as African-American (not white, as previously noted).
How Tall is Gayle King? | Height and Measurements
Gayle stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall. She is known for her confident presence both on and off-screen, though she tends to keep her personal body measurements private.
Family | Parents and Early Life
Gayle was born to Peggy King and Scott King in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Her father’s career took the family to Turkey, where they lived for several years during her childhood. This early international experience gave her a unique worldview from a young age. She has not publicly shared details about any siblings.
Is Gayle King Married? | Husband and Divorce
Gayle King was previously married to William Bumpus, a Connecticut-based attorney and former assistant attorney general. The couple married in 1982 and had two children—a son and a daughter. However, their marriage ended in divorce after Gayle discovered William’s infidelity. She has spoken candidly about the emotional toll it took and has since remained single.
Who Is Gayle King’s Partner?
As of 2025, Gayle King is not publicly in a romantic relationship. The celebrated journalist was previously married to William Bumpus, a Connecticut attorney, from 1982 until their divorce in 1993. Since then, Gayle has often joked about her love life—or lack thereof—but has remained focused on her career, family, and friendships (especially with Oprah Winfrey). While fans have speculated about various possible romances over the years, Gayle has made it clear she’s enjoying life on her terms.
Illness – Is She Sick?
Gayle King has not publicly disclosed any major illness. She has maintained a high level of energy and professionalism in her daily appearances on CBS Mornings and other platforms. That said, like many public figures, she does speak openly about wellness, health screenings, and healthy aging—but there’s no indication of any serious medical condition.
Gayle King Weight Loss
Gayle King has been very candid about her weight loss journey over the years. She’s spoken about using tools like Weight Watchers, staying active, and making healthy food choices. At one point, she famously brought a suitcase full of clothes on vacation in anticipation of weight fluctuations. Gayle has said she doesn’t chase a “perfect” body image but rather focuses on feeling healthy and confident in her own skin.
Gayle King and Oprah – A Lifelong Friendship
Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey have one of the most iconic friendships in media history. Their bond spans over 40 years, beginning when they worked together at a Baltimore TV station. Oprah has referred to Gayle as the “sister she never had,” and the two have stood by each other through personal milestones and professional challenges. Gayle is also the editor-at-large of O, The Oprah Magazine, further cementing their collaboration.
Gayle King and Dawn Staley
She has publicly expressed admiration for Dawn Staley, the legendary women’s basketball coach and Olympic gold medalist. She has interviewed Staley on CBS Mornings and spoken about her trailblazing leadership in women’s sports, especially after Staley’s team won national championships and brought attention to equity in college athletics.
Gayle King and Cory Booker
Gayle King and Senator Cory Booker share a friendly, professional relationship. While rumors once swirled about a possible romantic link (largely fueled by tabloids and jokes on social media), there’s no confirmed romantic history between them. However, Gayle has interviewed Senator Booker several times and is known to admire his political work and charisma.
Gayle King Children
Gayle King is the proud mother of two children: daughter Kirby Bumpus and son William Bumpus Jr. Both were born during her marriage to William Bumpus.
What Does Gayle King’s Daughter Do?
Her daughter, Kirby Bumpus, works in public health and wellness. A Stanford University and Columbia University graduate, Kirby has held roles in health policy and advocacy. She has also worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and has been active in maternal health initiatives. In 2021, she married Virgil Miller, and Gayle was thrilled to welcome her first grandchild through Kirby in 2022.
Gayle King at CBS News
Since joining CBS News in 2011, Gayle has become a cornerstone of its morning programming. She has interviewed major newsmakers, covered historic events, and contributed to the network’s most-watched moments. Some of her standout coverage includes:
The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018
Reporting from the 2016 Democratic and Republican National Conventions
On-the-ground coverage after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
Election night coverage and various high-profile political interviews
Before her national rise, Gayle spent 18 years at WFSB-TV, a CBS affiliate in Hartford, Connecticut. She also hosted The Gayle King Show on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) and XM Satellite Radio, where she tackled everything from pop culture to politics.
Earlier in her career, Gayle worked at WJZ-TV (Baltimore), WTOP-TV (Washington D.C.), and WDAF-TV (Kansas City), gradually building her reputation as a trusted journalist with poise, empathy, and credibility.
Salary | How Much Does She Make?
As a high-profile anchor at CBS, She reportedly earns over $250,000 annually. However, according to multiple outlets, her current salary is believed to be much higher, potentially in the multi-million-dollar range given her seniority and visibility at CBS.
Gayle King Net Worth
Over her long and successful career, she has built a strong financial foundation. Her estimated net worth is around $6 million as of 2025, although some reports suggest it could be even higher due to her media ventures, book deals, and long-time association with Oprah Winfrey.
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