Gayle King Net Worth
Gayle King is a household name in American journalism a woman who blends warmth with authority, and empathy with hard-hitting professionalism. Best known as the co-anchor of CBS Mornings and as editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine, she has built a career spanning more than four decades. As of 2025, Gayle King Net Worth is estimated to be between $65 million and $80 million, making her one of the most successful journalists of her generation. Her fortune is not just about her salary from CBS but also stems from her editorial work, book publishing, real estate holdings, investments, and media influence. Beyond finances, Gayle King is admired for her resilience, close friendship with Oprah Winfrey, and her unwavering authenticity on and off screen.
Early Life and Age
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Full Name: Gayle King
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Date of Birth: December 28, 1954
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Age in 2025: 70 years old
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Birthplace: Chevy Chase, Maryland
Raised partly in Ankara, Turkey, where her father worked as an engineer, Gayle grew up exposed to international culture before returning to the U.S. She studied psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating with a bachelor’s degree. This foundation in understanding human behavior later helped shape her interviewing style—empathetic yet probing.
Career Journey
Breaking into Journalism
Gayle’s broadcasting career began modestly at WJZ-TV in Baltimore, where she worked as a production assistant and later as a reporter. From there, she sharpened her skills in Washington, D.C., Kansas City, and eventually WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut, where she became a beloved anchor over an impressive 18-year tenure.
Her approachable demeanor and ability to connect with viewers established her as more than just a newsreader—she was a trusted presence in people’s living rooms.
Expanding to Print and Talk Shows
In 1999, Gayle’s career took another dimension when she became editor at large at O, The Oprah Magazine. This role solidified her as a multimedia personality rather than just a broadcaster.
She also experimented with talk shows. The Gayle King Show aired in syndication in 1997–98 and later returned on Oprah’s OWN network in 2011. While neither show became a runaway hit, they positioned her as a conversationalist who could balance lighthearted banter with serious discussions.
National Spotlight at CBS
The turning point came in 2011 when Gayle joined CBS as co-anchor of CBS This Morning, later rebranded CBS Mornings. Working alongside colleagues like Charlie Rose, Norah O’Donnell, and later Tony Dokoupil, she helped transform the show into a credible and popular morning news program.
Her interviews—ranging from high-profile politicians to pop culture icons—cemented her reputation. One unforgettable moment was her calm yet firm handling of the R. Kelly interview in 2019, which instantly went viral and showcased her composure under pressure.
By 2023, Gayle had expanded her footprint to cable news, co-hosting CNN’s King Charles with NBA legend Charles Barkley. Despite the new venture, she continued her work at CBS, balancing two demanding media platforms.
Gayle King Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Gayle King Net Worth is estimated between $65 million and $80 million. This impressive figure comes from decades of consistent media work, high salaries, real estate, books, and investments.
Income Sources
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CBS Salary: Reportedly around $11 million annually, putting her among the highest-paid morning show anchors in the U.S.
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Editorial Work: Longtime editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine, where she contributed columns and oversaw content.
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Publishing: Her book Note to Self became a New York Times bestseller.
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Radio & Podcasts: She has hosted SiriusXM shows and appears on numerous platforms.
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Real Estate: Her property portfolio includes a New York City penthouse (worth over $7 million), a Connecticut farmhouse, and other holdings.
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Investments: She has reportedly invested in companies like Tesla, Visa, and PayPal, and supports small businesses.
Her diversified income demonstrates that Gayle King’s financial empire extends well beyond her on-air salary.
Relationships and Personal Life
Gayle King married attorney William Bumpus in 1982. The couple divorced in 1993 after 11 years of marriage, and Gayle has been candid about her challenges during that period. She is the mother of two children—Kirby and William Jr.—and takes pride in her role as a grandmother.
Perhaps most famously, Gayle shares one of the strongest friendships in media history with Oprah Winfrey. Their bond, lasting nearly five decades, has been built on loyalty, honesty, and mutual respect. Despite speculation, both have repeatedly clarified that their relationship is platonic, though often described as “soulmates in friendship.”
In 2025, Gayle made headlines for another milestone: she joined an all-female Blue Origin spaceflight, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Later, at the Time 100 gala, she revealed her next bucket-list goal—getting married again.
Achievements and Influence
Gayle King’s career is decorated with awards and recognition.
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Multiple Emmy Awards for excellence in journalism.
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Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame Induction (2018).
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Named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2019.
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Revered for her culturally significant interviews, including public figures in politics, entertainment, and business.
Her influence extends beyond journalism she is also a philanthropist, supporting youth entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment initiatives.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Gayle King |
| Date of Birth | Dec 28, 1954 (70 years old) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $65M – $80M |
| Occupation | Journalist, Editor, Author |
| Salary | ~$11M per year |
| Education | Psychology, University of Maryland |
| Children | 2 |
| Best Friend | Oprah Winfrey |
| Recent Milestone | Spaceflight with Blue Origin (2025) |
FAQs about Gayle King
1. What is Gayle King Net Worth in 2025?
Her net worth is estimated at $65 million–$80 million.
2. How much does she earn from CBS?
Gayle earns about $11 million annually as a co-anchor of CBS Mornings.
3. Has Gayle King written any books?
Yes, her book Note to Self became a New York Times bestseller.
4. What are her biggest career highlights?
Her R. Kelly interview, long tenure at CBS, induction into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and her spaceflight adventure.
5. Who is Gayle King’s closest friend?
Her lifelong best friend is Oprah Winfrey.
Gayle King’s journey is one of perseverance, talent, and authenticity. From local newsrooms to becoming one of the most recognized faces in American media, she has built not only a remarkable career but also an enduring legacy of trust and credibility.
With a net worth nearing $80 million, a respected voice in journalism, and a vibrant personal life, Gayle King continues to inspire. At 70, she shows no signs of slowing down—proving that success isn’t just about wealth but also about purpose, relationships, and leaving a mark on the world.
