Gayle King is a highly respected American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author. She has become a household name through her insightful interviews and warm on-screen presence. As the co-host of CBS Mornings, she reaches millions of viewers every day. Her career spans over four decades in television news.
As of 2026, Gayle King is 71 years old. She was born on December 28, 1954, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Her birthplace is a suburb just outside Washington, D.C. She stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m). Her weight is approximately 150 to 161 pounds (68 to 73 kg). Her professional title is broadcast journalist and magazine editor.
Gayle King began her career in 1981 as a production assistant. Her famous works include anchoring CBS Mornings and hosting The Gayle King Show. She has been the editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine since 1999. Her parents are Peggy and Charles King. She was previously married to William G. Bumpus from 1982 to 1993. She has two children named Kirby and William Jr. Her major achievements include being named to Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Her estimated net worth is $80 million. Her income comes from her CBS salary, speaking engagements, and book deals.
Gayle King Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Gail King |
| Stage Name | Gayle King |
| Age (2026) | 71 years |
| Birth Date | December 28, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 150-161 lbs (68-73 kg) |
| Profession | Broadcast Journalist, TV Personality, Author |
| Career Start | 1981 at WJZ-TV Baltimore |
| Famous Works | CBS Mornings, CBS This Morning, The Gayle King Show |
| Education | University of Maryland (Psychology) |
| Father | Charles King |
| Mother | Peggy King |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Spouse | William G. Bumpus (m. 1982-1993) |
| Children | Kirby Bumpus (daughter), William Bumpus Jr. (son) |
| Grandchildren | 3 |
| Achievements | Time 100 Most Influential (2019), Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2018) |
| Net Worth (2026) | $80 million |
| Income Sources | CBS Salary ($12-15 million/year), Speaking Gigs, Production |
Gayle King Age and Birth Details
Gayle King was born on December 28, 1954. She celebrates her birthday every winter. As of 2026, she is 71 years old. Her zodiac sign is Capricorn. Capricorns are known for their discipline and ambition. She perfectly matches those traits.
Her birthplace is Chevy Chase, Maryland. This is a beautiful suburban area. She spent her early childhood there. Her family later moved due to her father’s job. She lived in Turkey for several years as a child. That experience shaped her worldview significantly .
She attended an American school in Turkey. This gave her a unique educational background. Her family eventually returned to Maryland. She completed her high school there. She then enrolled at the University of Maryland. Age has never slowed her down professionally.
Despite being 71, Gayle shows no signs of retirement. She renewed her CBS contract in 2026. She joked about rumors of her “demise” being exaggerated . Her energy and work ethic inspire younger journalists. She proves that age is just a number.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 71 years |
| Birth Date | December 28, 1954 |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Birthplace | Chevy Chase, Maryland |
| Childhood Abroad | Turkey (several years) |
| School Type | American school in Turkey |
Gayle King Height, Weight and Body Measurements
Gayle King has a tall and commanding presence. Her height is 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m). This stature helps her stand out on television. She carries herself with great confidence. Her weight is approximately 150 to 161 pounds (68 to 73 kg). She maintains a healthy and fit lifestyle.
Her body measurements are approximately 38-29-40 inches. This gives her an hourglass body shape . Her bra size is 36B. Her waist size is 29 inches. Her hip size is 40 inches. She embraces her natural body shape proudly.
Gayle wears a dress size 12 (US). Her shoe size is 10 (US). Her hair color is light brown. She often styles it in elegant waves. Her eye color is dark brown. Her eyes are warm and expressive on screen.
She does not obsess over unrealistic beauty standards. She promotes body positivity naturally. Her style is sophisticated and age-appropriate. She looks polished without trying too hard. Her physical presence adds to her credibility. She is a role model for women of all ages.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 150-161 lbs (68-73 kg) |
| Body Shape | Hourglass |
| Body Measurements | 38-29-40 inches |
| Bra Size | 36B |
| Waist Size | 29 inches |
| Hip Size | 40 inches |
| Dress Size | 12 (US) |
| Shoe Size | 10 (US) |
| Hair Color | Light brown |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
Gayle King Early Life and Education
Gayle King was born Gail King in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Her father, Charles King, was an electrical engineer. Her mother, Peggy King, was a homemaker. Her father’s work required international travel. The family moved to Turkey for several years. She attended an American school while abroad .
Living in Turkey exposed her to different cultures. She learned to adapt to new environments quickly. This experience made her more open-minded. The family eventually returned to Maryland. She finished her high school education there. She then applied to the University of Maryland.
She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1976. She earned a double degree in psychology and sociology . These subjects helped her understand human behavior. This knowledge later made her a better interviewer. She knows how to connect with people deeply.
Her education didn’t stop at college. She continuously learns on the job. She studies current events and news stories daily. Her academic background gives her a unique perspective. She combines psychology with journalism seamlessly. This makes her interviews stand out.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood | Chevy Chase, Maryland |
| Father’s Profession | Electrical Engineer |
| Mother’s Profession | Homemaker |
| Childhood Move | Turkey |
| High School | Maryland (after return) |
| College | University of Maryland, College Park |
| Graduation Year | 1976 |
| Degree | Psychology and Sociology (double) |
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Gayle King Parents and Siblings
Gayle King’s father was Charles King. He worked as an electrical engineer. His job required international travel often. He moved the family to Turkey for work. He provided a stable and educated household. Gayle respected his work ethic deeply.
Her mother was Peggy King. She was a dedicated homemaker. She raised Gayle and her siblings with care. She managed the household during their Turkey years. Gayle inherited her warmth from her mother. She often credits her parents for her values.
Information about siblings is not widely publicized. Gayle keeps her extended family private. She focuses public attention on her work and children. Her parents supported her career from the start. They encouraged her to pursue journalism. She remains grateful for their support.
Her parents have since passed away. Gayle honors their memory through her work. She often shares childhood memories in interviews. Her family background was middle-class and grounded. She did not inherit fame or wealth. She built everything through hard work.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Father Name | Charles King |
| Father Profession | Electrical Engineer |
| Mother Name | Peggy King |
| Mother Profession | Homemaker |
| Childhood Home | Maryland and Turkey |
| Family Status | Middle class |
| Parents’ Status | Deceased |
Gayle King Ex-Husband William Bumpus
Gayle King married William G. Bumpus in 1982. He was an attorney and assistant attorney general. Their wedding was a private family affair. They seemed like a perfect couple initially. However, the marriage faced serious challenges. They divorced in 1993 after 11 years.
In 2026, Gayle revealed painful details about their marriage. She appeared on the Call Her Daddy podcast. She explained she caught Bumpus cheating in 1990. She returned home after a canceled flight. She found the house alarm activated .
Bumpus came out wearing only a towel. He told her, “You can’t come in.” She then found her female friend hiding behind a door. The friend was also in a towel. Police arrived because of the alarm. They recognized Gayle and asked for an autograph. It was a surreal and humiliating moment .
Following the podcast, Bumpus issued a public apology. He called his actions “painful” and took “ownership.” He apologized to Gayle, their children, and grandchildren. He admitted he “did not fully appreciate Gayle’s public life.” He said they now co-parent successfully and remain in a good place .
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Ex-Spouse Name | William G. Bumpus |
| Marriage Duration | 1982 to 1993 |
| His Profession | Attorney |
| Reason for Divorce | Infidelity (cheating) |
| Apology Year | 2026 |
| Current Relationship | Cordial co-parents |
Gayle King Children and Grandchildren
Gayle King has two children from her marriage to William Bumpus. Her daughter is Kirby Bumpus. Her son is William Bumpus Jr.. Both children are now adults. They have built successful lives of their own. Gayle is extremely proud of both of them.
Kirby Bumpus is her eldest child. She works in the medical field. She married her husband Virgil. The couple shares a beautiful relationship. Gayle often posts about Kirby on social media. She calls her daughter her “greatest gift.”
William Bumpus Jr. goes by “Will.” He is an attorney like his father. He is married to his wife Elise. Will and Kirby have given Gayle three grandchildren. She adores her role as a grandmother. She talks about them with pure joy.
Gayle prioritizes family despite her busy career. She co-parented successfully with her ex-husband. The children never felt caught in the middle. She attends their important life events always. Her grandchildren call her “Gayle” not “Grandma.” She loves her unique family dynamic.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Daughter Name | Kirby Bumpus |
| Son Name | William Bumpus Jr. (Will) |
| Daughter’s Profession | Medical field |
| Son’s Profession | Attorney |
| Daughter’s Spouse | Virgil |
| Son’s Spouse | Elise |
| Grandchildren | 3 |
| Parenting Style | Successful co-parenting |
Gayle King Career Beginnings
Gayle King started her career in 1981 at WJZ-TV in Baltimore. She worked as a production assistant initially. This was an entry-level position. But she was eager to learn and grow. At WJZ, she met a young Oprah Winfrey. Oprah was an anchor at the same station. This meeting changed her life forever .
She moved to WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C. next. She trained as a reporter there. She learned how to chase stories and meet deadlines. Then she relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. She worked at WDAF-TV as a weekend anchor. She also handled general reporting duties .
In 1981, she was hired by WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut. This became her home for 18 years. She worked as a news anchor there. She became a familiar face in Connecticut households. She was trusted and respected by viewers. She also lived in Glastonbury during this time .
She briefly co-hosted a talk show called Cover to Cover in 1991. It was on NBC with Robin Wagner. The show lasted only 13 weeks. It was her first taste of national television. Despite the cancellation, she kept pushing forward. She never let failure stop her.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| First Job | Production Assistant, WJZ-TV Baltimore |
| Met Oprah | At WJZ-TV Baltimore |
| Reporter Training | WUSA-TV Washington, D.C. |
| Anchor Role | WDAF-TV Kansas City |
| Longest Early Role | WFSB Hartford (18 years) |
| First Talk Show | Cover to Cover (1991) |
Gayle King CBS Mornings and Rise to Fame
Gayle King joined CBS This Morning in January 2012. She co-anchored alongside Charlie Rose. The show needed a fresh start and new energy. King brought warmth and journalistic rigor. The trio also included Norah O’Donnell later. The show succeeded in the ratings .
King and Rose had excellent on-air chemistry. They became friends off-camera as well. The show was known for serious interviews. It avoided the fluff of other morning shows. Gayle’s interviewing style earned praise. She asked tough but fair questions always.
In 2018, she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. In 2019, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people. These honors recognized her impact on journalism. She was no longer “Oprah’s friend.” She was Gayle King, a journalism powerhouse .
The show rebranded to CBS Mornings in 2021. She continues as co-host today. In March 2026, she renewed her contract with CBS. She is 71 years old and still going strong. She quipped, “Rumors of my demise were inaccurate” . Her salary is reported between $12 million to $15 million annually .
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Joined CBS This Morning | January 9, 2012 |
| Co-anchors | Charlie Rose, Norah O’Donnell |
| Current Show | CBS Mornings |
| Contract Renewal | March 2026 |
| Annual Salary | $12-15 million |
| Hall of Fame | Broadcasting & Cable (2018) |
| Time 100 | 2019 |
Gayle King Relationship with Oprah Winfrey
Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey met in the 1970s at WJZ-TV. Oprah was an anchor; Gayle was a production assistant. They clicked instantly and became close friends. Their bond has lasted over 45 years. They are often called “best friends forever.” Their friendship is legendary in media .
Oprah calls Gayle her “soul mate” (non-romantic). They have supported each other through everything. Gayle was a special correspondent on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She became an editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine in 1999. Oprah helped launch Gayle’s OWN network show .
Despite their closeness, they are very different. Oprah is a billionaire media mogul. Gayle is a salaried journalist. Oprah lives in lavish mansions. Gayle lives comfortably but modestly. They do not compete with each other. They celebrate each other’s wins genuinely.
In 2020, when Gayle faced backlash for a Kobe Bryant interview, Oprah defended her. She publicly supported Gayle during the controversy. Their friendship has weathered every storm. They vacation together and talk daily. They prove that true friendship exists in Hollywood.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Met | 1970s at WJZ-TV Baltimore |
| Friendship Duration | 45+ years |
| Professional Ties | O Magazine, OWN Network |
| Oprah’s Nickname | “Soul mate” |
| Support During Controversy | 2020 Kobe interview |
| Vacation Together | Regularly |
Gayle King Net Worth and Income Sources
Gayle King’s net worth is estimated at $80 million as of 2026. She has built this wealth through decades of hard work. Her primary income is her CBS salary. She reportedly earns between $12 million and $15 million per year. She is one of the highest-paid news anchors in America .
She also earns money from speaking engagements. Major corporations pay her to speak at events. She has earned from book deals and writing projects. She was an editor-at-large for O Magazine for years. She also has a production company called Yorkin Productions.
Her real estate portfolio is impressive. She owns a penthouse in Manhattan. She has a beach house in Malibu. She also owns properties in Miami Beach and upstate New York. Her Connecticut mansion is worth approximately $10 million .
She also owns luxury cars including a Rolls-Royce. She drives a Porsche and Ferrari as well. She has a valuable art collection too. Many pieces were gifts from Oprah. Her wealth is well-diversified across assets. She lives a luxurious but tasteful lifestyle.
| Income Source | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| CBS Annual Salary | $12-15 million |
| Net Worth (2026) | $80 million |
| Speaking Engagements | Variable (high) |
| Production Company | Yorkin Productions |
| Real Estate | Manhattan, Malibu, Miami, Connecticut |
| Car Collection | Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Ferrari |
Gayle King Awards and Achievements
Gayle King has received numerous awards throughout her career. In 2018, she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes lifetime achievement in media. It is one of the industry’s highest accolades. She earned it through decades of excellence .
In 2019, Time magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People. She shared the list with world leaders and icons. Her profile was written by her friend Oprah Winfrey. This recognition brought her international fame. She was no longer just a morning show host .
She has received multiple Emmy Awards for her journalism. Her interview style is frequently praised. She has won Gracie Awards for women in media. She has also been honored by The Hollywood Reporter. Her trophy case continues to grow each year.
She has not won a Peabody Award yet. But many believe she deserves one. Her 2020 interview with R. Kelly was intense. The singer screamed and beat his chest on air. She remained calm and professional throughout. That moment became iconic in TV history .
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame | 2018 |
| Time 100 Most Influential People | 2019 |
| Emmy Awards | Multiple |
| Gracie Awards | Multiple |
| Hollywood Reporter Honor | Multiple |
Gayle King Social Media Presence
Gayle King is active on Instagram. Her username is @gayleking. She has millions of followers on the platform. She posts behind-the-scenes content from CBS Mornings. She also shares family photos and travel moments. Her captions are warm and personal.
She is also on Twitter (X) under @GayleKing. She tweets about breaking news stories. She also promotes her interviews and segments. She engages with fans and responds sometimes. Her tweets are professional but not robotic. She uses the platform to correct misinformation.
She is not heavily active on TikTok. Younger producers manage some content there. She appears in clips from the show. But she does not post personally. Her focus remains on traditional platforms. She believes in quality over quantity.
Her social media style is authentic and uplifting. She never posts negative or hateful content. She uses her platform for good causes. She highlights charity work and community heroes. Her online presence matches her TV personality. Fans love her genuine nature.
| Platform | Username | Content Type |
|---|---|---|
| @gayleking | Behind-the-scenes, family, travel | |
| Twitter (X) | @GayleKing | News, interviews, promotions |
| TikTok | CBS Mornings clips | Show highlights (not personal) |
| Style | Authentic, positive, uplifting | Charity and community focus |
Gayle King Broadway Debut (2026)
In May 2026, Gayle King made her Broadway debut. She appeared in Celebrity Autobiography. This is a long-running comedy hit show. It was performed at the Shubert Theatre in New York City. This was a surprising career move for the journalist .
She revealed she was not nervous about the debut. At 71 years old, she felt ready for a new challenge. She did not indulge in extensive preparation. She felt “okay” about her acting skills. Her confidence impressed theater critics. She received positive reviews for her performance.
The show features celebrities reading funny memoirs. It is a lighthearted and entertaining format. Gayle brought her natural charisma to the stage. She proved she can do more than anchor a desk. This debut adds another dimension to her career. She continues to surprise audiences.
Her friend Oprah attended the show to support her. The audience gave her a standing ovation. Broadway is notoriously difficult for newcomers. But Gayle handled it like a professional. She may consider more acting roles in the future. At 71, she is reinventing herself again.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Broadway Debut | May 2026 |
| Show Name | Celebrity Autobiography |
| Theater | Shubert Theatre, NYC |
| Age at Debut | 71 years |
| Preparation Level | Minimal, felt confident |
| Reception | Positive reviews |
Gayle King Career Timeline
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1976 | Graduated University of Maryland |
| 1981 | Started at WJZ-TV Baltimore (met Oprah) |
| 1981 | Joined WFSB Hartford (18-year run) |
| 1991 | Co-hosted “Cover to Cover” (13 weeks) |
| 1997 | Launched “The Gayle King Show” (syndicated) |
| 1999 | Became editor-at-large for O Magazine |
| 2006 | Launched radio show on XM Satellite |
| 2011 | Hosted “The Gayle King Show” on OWN |
| 2012 | Joined CBS This Morning (now CBS Mornings) |
| 2018 | Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame |
| 2019 | Time 100 Most Influential People |
| 2026 | Renewed CBS contract, Broadway debut |
Gayle King Hobbies
- Reading books (especially thrillers)
- Traveling to exotic destinations
- Spending time with her grandchildren
- Attending Broadway shows
- Cooking and hosting dinner parties
- Practicing yoga for relaxation
- Collecting art and jewelry
- Watching sports (basketball fan)
- Listening to podcasts
- Writing in her personal journal
Gayle King Favorite Things
- Color: Blue
- Food: Seafood and Italian cuisine
- City: New York City
- Hobby: Reading
- Music: R&B and Jazz
- TV Show: Drama series
- Vacation Spot: Beach destinations
- Drink: Coffee (morning essential)
- Season: Summer
- Activity: Interviewing inspiring people
Gayle King Interesting Facts
- Her real first name is Gail (she added the “y” later).
- She lived in Turkey as a child for several years.
- She met Oprah Winfrey when both worked at WJZ-TV Baltimore.
- She was a production assistant before becoming an anchor.
- Her first national talk show lasted only 13 weeks.
- She caught her ex-husband cheating after a canceled flight.
- Police responded to the incident and asked for her autograph.
- She made her Broadway debut at age 71 in 2026.
- She owns luxury cars including a Rolls-Royce and Ferrari.
- She has three grandchildren who call her “Gayle.”
FAQs
Q1: How old is Gayle King in 2026?
Gayle King is 71 years old. She was born on December 28, 1954.
Q2: How tall is Gayle King?
She is 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall. This is quite tall for a female TV anchor.
Q3: What is Gayle King’s net worth?
Her net worth is approximately $80 million. She earns $12-15 million annually from CBS.
Q4: Is Gayle King married?
No, she is divorced. She was married to William Bumpus from 1982 to 1993.
Q5: Does Gayle King have children?
Yes, she has two children: daughter Kirby and son William Bumpus Jr. She also has three grandchildren.
Q6: What is Gayle King’s salary at CBS?
Her annual salary is reported between $12 million and $15 million. She renewed her contract in March 2026.
Q7: How did Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey meet?
They met in the 1970s at WJZ-TV in Baltimore. Oprah was an anchor; Gayle was a production assistant.
Conclusion
Gayle King, whose real name is Gail King, is a broadcasting legend. Her stage name Gayle King is recognized worldwide. At 71 years old (2026), she remains at the top of her field. She was born December 28, 1954 in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Her height is 5 feet 10 inches and weight is approximately 155 pounds. Her profession is broadcast journalism and television hosting.
She began her career in 1981 as a production assistant at WJZ-TV. Her famous works include CBS Mornings and The Gayle King Show. She has been an editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine since 1999. Her parents were Charles and Peggy King. She was married to William Bumpus from 1982 to 1993. She has two children, Kirby and William Jr., and three grandchildren. Her achievements include Time 100 and the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. Her net worth is $80 million from her CBS salary, speaking engagements, and production work.
Gayle King proves that hard work and authenticity win. She built a career without compromising her values. Her friendship with Oprah shows the power of loyalty. At 71, she is still trying new things like Broadway. Her legacy as a trusted journalist will last for generations.
