Gayle King Net Worth, Biography, Career, Family, and Lifestyle

Discover Gayle King’s biography, net worth, career at CBS, salary, age, height, family, and her close friendship with Oprah Winfrey in this detailed profile.

Introduction

Gayle King is one of the most respected and beloved television hosts, journalists, and authors in the United States. Best known for her role as the co-anchor of CBS This Morning and now CBS Mornings, Gayle has built an extraordinary career in broadcasting while also becoming a cultural icon. Beyond her journalism, Gayle is widely recognized for her long-standing friendship with Oprah Winfrey, her impactful interviews, and her influence in the media industry.

In this article, we’ll cover Gayle King’s biography, career journey, family, net worth, fashion influence, controversies, and personal life in detail.

Gayle King Overview

Full Name: Gayle King
Date of Birth: December 28, 1954
Age: 70 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace: Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
Profession: TV Personality, Journalist, Author
Famous For: Co-anchor of CBS This Morning / CBS Mornings
Nationality: American
Education: University of Maryland (degree in psychology)
Political Views: Independent-leaning with liberal tendencies

Early Life and Education

Gayle King was born in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and spent part of her childhood in Turkey, where her father worked as an engineer. Living abroad gave her exposure to different cultures, which later influenced her open-minded personality and communication style.

She returned to the U.S. for her education and attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where she graduated with a degree in psychology. Gayle then pursued a career in media, starting as a production assistant before moving into television journalism.

Gayle King Net Worth, Biography, Career, Family, and Lifestyle

Gayle King Career Journey

Early Broadcasting Work

Gayle’s first major role was as a production assistant at WJZ-TV in Baltimore, where she met Oprah Winfrey, who was then working as a news anchor. The two became close friends, a bond that would last decades.

She then became a news anchor and reporter at WFSB-TV in Hartford, Connecticut, where she worked for 18 years, building a strong reputation as a trusted journalist.

Rise to National Recognition

Gayle King’s national career breakthrough came when she was selected to co-host CBS This Morning in 2011. Alongside co-anchors like Charlie Rose and Norah O’Donnell, she brought warmth, relatability, and intelligence to morning television.

Today, she is a leading host of CBS Mornings, conducting hard-hitting interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and public figures.

Notable Interviews

Some of Gayle King’s most memorable interviews include:

R. Kelly’s emotional 2019 interview about sexual abuse allegations.
Barack and Michelle Obama.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
Oprah Winfrey on various occasions.
Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Will Smith, and Viola Davis.

Her interview style is praised for being empathetic yet firm, allowing her subjects to open up while still holding them accountable.

Gayle King Net Worth and Salary

Gayle King is among the richest anchors in the USA due to her long career in journalism and her CBS contract.

Estimated Net Worth (2025): $75 million
Annual Salary: Around $12 million (CBS + other projects)
Major Income Sources: CBS salary, book deals, magazine contributions, speaking engagements

Lifestyle and Assets

Owns luxury homes in New York and Connecticut.
Known for her elegant wardrobe, often featuring bold colors and statement dresses.
Frequently attends high-profile events such as the Met Gala.

Gayle King Age, Height, and Physical Appearance

Age: 70 years (born December 28, 1954)
Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
Weight: Around 70 kg (154 lbs)
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Style: Known for her colorful, chic dresses and vibrant fashion choices

Gayle King Family and Personal Life

Marriage and Children

Gayle King married William Bumpus, an attorney, in 1982. The marriage ended in divorce in 1993 after infidelity, which Gayle has spoken about openly.

They have two children:

Kirby Bumpus (daughter, health and wellness professional)
William Bumpus Jr. (son)

Friendship with Oprah Winfrey

Gayle’s decades-long friendship with Oprah Winfrey is one of the most famous friendships in American culture. The two have supported each other through personal and professional highs and lows. Oprah has often referred to Gayle as her “chosen family.”

Gayle King Fashion and Style

Gayle is recognized as one of the most stylish women in media. Her wardrobe is full of bright colors, tailored dresses, and statement jewelry.

Frequently appears on red carpets and Met Gala events.
Admired for embracing body positivity and not conforming to traditional Hollywood beauty standards.
Her fashion choices often make headlines in magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

Gayle King Awards and Recognition

Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame inductee
Emmy Awards for outstanding journalism contributions
Named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People
Consistently ranked among the most powerful women in media

Gayle King Controversies

Like many high-profile anchors, Gayle King has faced public scrutiny:

R. Kelly Interview Backlash: While praised for handling the interview well, some criticized CBS for sensationalizing it.
Kobe Bryant Question (2020): Faced criticism over an interview question about Bryant’s legacy after his death, leading to a wave of online backlash. Oprah publicly defended Gayle, calling the attacks “unfair and mean-spirited.”

Despite controversies, Gayle has maintained her reputation as a respected journalist.

Gayle King Social Media Presence

Gayle King connects with millions of fans online:

Instagram: @gayleking
Twitter/X: @GayleKing
Facebook: Gayle King Official Page

Her social media showcases her interviews, personal life moments, and behind-the-scenes looks at her fashion choices.

Conclusion

Gayle King’s journey from a local reporter to one of the richest and most respected anchors in the USA is inspiring. Her ability to balance hard-hitting journalism with warmth, along with her $75 million net worth, makes her a powerful force in media.

Beyond her career, her friendship with Oprah, her bold fashion sense, and her resilience in the face of personal challenges make Gayle King a true role model. Whether you admire her for her journalism, her style, or her life story, Gayle King remains an influential figure in American television and culture.