After more than a decade as one of the most familiar faces on morning television, Gayle King is reportedly set to step away from her anchor role on CBS Mornings next year. According to recent reports, the veteran journalist’s contract with CBS News expires in May 2026, and discussions are underway about what comes next — both for King and for the network, which is currently undergoing sweeping changes under the new Paramount Skydance leadership.
Sources familiar with the situation say CBS is eager to keep King within its news family, possibly offering her opportunities to produce or host her own programming. However, her exit from the morning anchor desk would mark the end of an era. King has been a stabilizing presence on CBS Mornings (formerly CBS This Morning) since 2012, bringing warmth, credibility, and memorable interviews to the show.
Big Changes at CBS News
The reported move comes as CBS News experiences one of its most significant overhauls in years. Under new leadership from Paramount Skydance, the network has been trimming staff, restructuring its programming, and even canceling long-running shows such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which is set to end in May.
Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press, was recently appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News — signaling a shift in editorial direction. Meanwhile, other high-profile names like John Dickerson, Michelle Miller, and Dana Jacobson have already parted ways with their on-air roles.
With Gayle King possibly moving into a different position, CBS faces the delicate task of maintaining viewer trust. Morning audiences tend to form strong emotional connections with their anchors — and any shake-up can risk ratings drops, as networks like NBC and ABC have learned the hard way in the past.
A Career Full of Defining Moments
Since joining CBS in 2011, Gayle King has become one of the most respected and recognized journalists in American television. Her calm, no-nonsense demeanor during her 2019 interview with R. Kelly earned her widespread praise, as did her ability to balance hard news with human interest stories.
Beyond the newsroom, King’s friendship with Oprah Winfrey has often been in the spotlight, with the two media icons supporting each other through decades of professional success. Earlier in 2025, King even joined a Blue Origin flight to space alongside an all-female crew — another historic milestone in her career.
What’s Next for Gayle King?
While nothing is official yet, one thing is clear: Gayle King’s next chapter at CBS — or beyond — is likely to be just as impactful as her current one. Whether she transitions into production, special projects, or even her own program, she remains one of the most influential figures in broadcast journalism today.
FAQs About Gayle King
1. How old is Gayle King?
Gayle King was born on December 28, 1954, which makes her 70 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Gayle King’s husband?
Gayle King was previously married to William Bumpus, an attorney, from 1982 to 1993. The couple divorced after reports of infidelity, and King has remained single since. She has two children from that marriage — daughter Kirby and son Will.
3. What is Gayle King’s net worth?
As of 2025, Gayle King’s estimated net worth is around $40 million. Most of her earnings come from her long career in television journalism, her work at CBS, and other media ventures, including her time as editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine.
4. Will Gayle King leave CBS completely?
At this point, it appears that Gayle may not be leaving CBS entirely but could shift to a new role within the network — possibly developing or hosting new projects under the CBS News banner.
5. What is Gayle King best known for?
Gayle King is best known as the co-host of CBS Mornings, her strong interviewing skills, her composure in high-pressure interviews (like the R. Kelly sit-down), and her long-standing friendship with Oprah Winfrey.