Though their decades-deep friendship is certainly one to aspire to, Gayle King is so much more than Oprah’s sidekick. The three time Emmy Award-winning journalist became one of the most respected figures in media on her own accord. Her work as a co-anchor of “CBS This Morning,” alongside her decades of experience in broadcasting, solidified her status as an influential Black woman in media. She was even named one of “Time” magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2019.

Beyond her impressive career in journalism, King’s net worth is a result of her many business endeavors and investments. She has earned her rise to the top of the media world. Here’s a closer look at how Gayle King became famous, her various business ventures, and her impressive 2025 net worth.

How Did Gayle King Become Famous?

Gayle King was born on December 28th, 1954. While she was raised in Chevy Chase, Maryland, she spent ages six to eleven in Ankara, Turkey, where her father was deployed. This experience widened her perspective of the world and jumpstarted her innate sense of curiosity. Raised in a family that valued education, she attended the University of Maryland, where she earned a degree in psychology.

Working her way up to where she stands today, King’s career wasn’t in broadcasting. She first worked as a production assistant at WJZ-TV in Baltimore, where she met Oprah Winfrey, an anchor for the station. This early start laid the foundation for her media career. Their friendship would surely prove to be destined as well. Her natural talent was soon recognized, moving up to become a news anchor herself. With a bubbly charisma and keen intellect, her engaging interview style quickly made her a household name.

Meanwhile, as Oprah rose to fame, King reaped many benefits. She became a prominent figure in Winfrey’s media empire, serving as a close confidante and appearing regularly on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” 

Before getting her big break on CBS News, King worked as a special correspondent for “Good Morning America.” Then, in 2012, King secured a deal with CBS to co-anchor “CBS This Morning” alongside Charlie Rose and Norah O’Donnell. As one of the top news anchors of today, King became synonymous with insightful reporting, investigative journalism, and engaging discussions with high profile names. This includes world leaders, former president Barack Obama, political figures, including Representative John Lewis’s final interview, and numerous celebrities.

Business Endeavors

Gayle King’s career extends far beyond television journalism. Over the years, she has made strategic investments that contributed to her fortune, solidifying her as a powerful force in the industry.

One of King’s most notable business endeavors is her involvement with Oprah Winfrey’s massive empire. An integral part of the team behind “O, The Oprah Magazine,” she currently serves as editor-at-large. 

Venturing beyond television, King also co-hosted “The Gayle King Show” on SiriusXM radio. She has hosted several public speaking engagements and even wrote a novel. In 2018, King published “Note to Self: Inspiring Words From Inspiring People, ” a New York Times bestseller that further solidified her influence. 

Real estate is where many celebrities amplify their income, and King is no exception. As a savvy investor, she has been involved in the acquisition and sale of several high-end properties, including a beach house in Malibu, a condo in Miami, and a farmhouse in upstate New York. In 2017, she purchased a stunning New York City apartment valued at $7.5 million. She also sold a property in Greenwich, Connecticut, for a reported $3 million.

To this day, King shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, on February 27th, it was announced that she, alongside pop star Katy Perry and fellow journalist Lauren Sánchez, would be part of the crew for Blue Origin’s eleventh flight to space under the New Shepard program. Expected to take place spring 2025, this launch would make both King and Sánchez the first journalists to go into space.

What Is Gayle King’s 2025 Net Worth?

As of 2025, Gayle King’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. This impressive fortune only makes sense when taking into account her long-standing career in television, business ventures and investments. King’s annual salary as co-anchor of “CBS This Morning” is said to be between $10 million and $12 million. That’s a pretty hefty work check. So hefty, in fact, that this makes King one of the highest-paid women in American television journalism. 

King’s wealth is only further bolstered by her media empire, including her radio show, podcasting, magazine contributions, book sales and digital presence. Her real estate investments and luxury properties are also financially rewarding, building up equity over the years.

Does Gayle King Still Work For Oprah?

Besides being besties, Oprah and Gayle King continue to work together. Though King most certainly has a lot on her plate, she continues to work as the editor at large of “O, The Oprah Magazine” and “Oprah Daily” on digital and print platforms. King was also a major contributor and helped launch several of Oprah’s ventures, such as the Oprah’s Book Club initiative. Their friendship and collaboration have made them one of the most powerful duos of all time. While it’s impossible for King to work full-time with Oprah’s productions, she remains a vital part of her network of trusted advisors and friends. The two often still attend public events together, honoring the ongoing personal and professional relationship they share.

Is Gayle King Married?

King was previously married to William Bumpus, an attorney general in Connecticut. The two tied the knot in 1982, and their marriage lasted for nearly 11 years before separating in 1993. Together, they are parents to two children: a son named William Bumpus Jr. and a daughter named Kirby. Oprah Winfrey is their godparent. Despite their divorce, Gayle and William Bumpus have openly maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship.

After her divorce, King has never remarried. While she has had rumored relationships since, she has kept much of her personal life private. Gayle has been an open book about her life as a single woman, feeling a sense of fulfillment through her career, friendships and children. Her dynamic career as a broadcast journalist, along with her prominent role in the media, has also kept her in the public eye, though she continues to maintain a balance between her personal and professional life.