Gayle King Biography
Gayle King is a well-known American television personality, journalist, and author who co-hosts CBS Mornings (formerly CBS This Morning). King, known for her warmth, genuineness, and incisive interviewing abilities, has established herself as one of the most renowned and adored people in American broadcast journalism. Her distinct ability to combine empathy and journalistic rigor has gained her both critical recognition and a devoted following among viewers.
King was born on December 28, 1954, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She spent part of her youth in Turkey, where her father worked as an electrical engineer. This early exposure to diverse cultures shaped her open-mindedness and global viewpoint, which would later characterize her career in television journalism.
Gayle attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Maryland before enrolling in the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a degree in psychology. During her undergraduate years, she discovered her passion for media and storytelling, which led her to a successful broadcasting career.
Gayle King Career
King began her broadcasting career in the 1970s as a production assistant at WJZ-TV in Baltimore, where she collaborated with an unknown Oprah Winfrey, who would eventually become her lifelong closest friend. Her inherent personality and skill allowed her swiftly advance from behind-the-scenes to on-camera reporting positions.
Her first on-air job was at WUSA-TV (now WTOP-TV) in Washington, D.C., and she then worked as an anchor for WFSB-TV in Kansas City and Hartford. King worked as a news anchor at WFSB for 18 years, becoming one of the most well-known and trusted faces on Connecticut television.
King became co-anchor of CBS This Morning in 2011, and she rapidly established herself as the show’s distinguishing voice. Her career has been highlighted by some of the most memorable interviews in contemporary television, including her calm yet strong handling of emotional and high-profile exchanges, such as the 2019 R. Kelly interview, which went viral globally.
In addition to CBS, Gayle is the Editor-at-Large for O, The Oprah Magazine, where she delivers interviews and editorial insights. She has covered big national and international issues, ranging from presidential elections to social justice movements, and is noted for instilling compassion and accountability in every broadcast.
Her accomplishments have garnered her several honors, including multiple Emmy Awards, entry into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and inclusion on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People.
Gayle King Age
How old is Gayle King? 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 December 28th.
Gayle King Family
King was born to Scott King, an electrical engineer, and Peggy King, a homemaker. She spent much of her childhood in Turkey, where her father was stationed for work, before returning to the United States. Her close-knit family instilled in her values of empathy, curiosity, and resilience.
Gayle King Husband
King was married to William Bumpus from 1982 until their divorce in 1993. King has two adult children, Kirby Bumpus and William Bumpus Jr., from her marriage to William Bumpus, a former assistant attorney general in Connecticut.
Despite their divorce, she maintains a strong relationship with her children and frequently expresses pride in their achievements. Since then, she has focused on her career, family, and friendships, often noting that her enduring friendship with Oprah Winfrey has been one of the most important relationships in her life. King has humorously mentioned in interviews that she’s open to love but not actively seeking it, preferring to focus on her professional success and personal happiness.
Gayle King’s Height
King stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Gayle King Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Gayle King has received numerous awards and honors, including:
- Multiple Emmy Awards for her work in television journalism
- Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame induction (2018)
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
- Named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People (2019)
- Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in journalism
Gayle King Net Worth
King has an estimated net worth of around $70 million. She has accumulated her wealth through her long career as a broadcast journalist and television personality for CBS News, as well as her role as an editor-at-large for Oprah Daily.
Gayle King’s Salary
King’s salary is reported to be between $10 million and $15 million per year.
