History of Gayle King in Timeline

Gayle King is a prominent American television personality, broadcast journalist, and author. She is best known for co-hosting CBS Mornings and previously CBS This Morning. King also serves as an editor-at-large for Oprah Daily. Her influence and contributions to media were recognized in 2019 when Time magazine named her one of the "100 Most Influential People." She has become a recognizable figure in American media.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

December 28, 1954: Gayle King's birth

On December 28, 1954, Gayle King was born. She is an American television personality, author, and broadcast journalist.

1966: Return to the United States

In 1966, Gayle King and her family returned to the United States after living in Ankara, Turkey. Her father began working as an electrical engineer.

1976: Became a close friend of Oprah Winfrey

In 1976, Gayle King became a close friend of Oprah Winfrey, a friendship that has lasted for decades.

1981: Hired as a news anchor for WFSB

In 1981, Gayle King was hired as a news anchor for WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut, marking a significant step in her career.

1982: Married William Bumpus

In 1982, Gayle King married William Bumpus, an attorney and an assistant attorney general in Connecticut. They later had two children together.

1991: Co-hosted Cover to Cover

In 1991, Gayle King briefly co-hosted an NBC daytime talk show called Cover to Cover with Robin Wagner. However, the show was canceled after 13 weeks.

1993: Divorced William Bumpus

In 1993, Gayle King and William Bumpus divorced, ending their marriage of eleven years.

1997: The Gayle King Show

In 1997, Gayle King was offered her own syndicated talk show, The Gayle King Show, but it was canceled after one season due to low ratings.

1999: Joined O, The Oprah Magazine

In 1999, Gayle King joined O, The Oprah Magazine as an editor, marking a significant role in print media.

2003: Kobe Bryant's Sexual Assault Allegations

In 2003, Kobe Bryant faced sexual assault allegations, which were later referenced in a 2020 interview conducted by Gayle King, leading to controversy.

September 2006: Host of The Gayle King Show on XM Satellite Radio

In September 2006, Gayle King began hosting The Gayle King Show on XM Satellite Radio, expanding her presence in broadcast media.

2010: Oprah Winfrey's remarks about Gayle King

In 2010, during an interview with Barbara Walters, Oprah Winfrey described Gayle King as "the mother I never had; she is the sister everybody would want; she is the friend everybody deserves; I don't know a better person".

January 3, 2011: Hosted The Gayle King Show on OWN

On January 3, 2011, Gayle King began hosting a new show, also called The Gayle King Show, on OWN.

November 10, 2011: Deal with CBS to co-anchor CBS This Morning

On November 10, 2011, Gayle King secured a deal with CBS to co-anchor CBS This Morning, transitioning to a prominent role in network news.

November 17, 2011: End of The Gayle King Show on OWN

On November 17, 2011, The Gayle King Show ended on OWN as a result of King going to CBS to co-anchor CBS This Morning.

January 9, 2012: Began co-anchoring CBS This Morning

On January 9, 2012, Gayle King began co-anchoring CBS This Morning, solidifying her position in broadcast journalism.

2018: Inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame

In 2018, Gayle King was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the industry.

2019: Chosen as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people

In 2019, Gayle King was chosen as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, underscoring her impact on society.

2020: Criticism for Kobe Bryant Interview

In 2020, shortly after Kobe Bryant's death, Gayle King received social media criticism for a CBS This Morning interview where she brought up Bryant's sexual assault allegations. Snoop Dogg was among those who criticized King.

January 2022: Extended contract with CBS News

In January 2022, Gayle King extended her contract with CBS News to continue as co-anchor of CBS Mornings, ensuring her continued presence on the network.

April 22, 2023: Announcement of King Charles show on CNN

On April 22, 2023, CNN announced that Gayle King would co-host with Charles Barkley on their weekly primetime show King Charles.

February 27, 2025: Announcement to fly on Blue Origin's New Shepard program

On February 27, 2025, it was announced that Gayle King would be one of the passengers on Blue Origin's eleventh flight to space under the New Shepard program.