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Gayle King achieved renown as a collaborator on CBS Mornings and was wed to her former spouse, William Bumpus. for 11 years, spanning the 1980s and 1990s — and they have two offspring from their union. Although Gayle tends to maintain her personal affairs discreetly, she spoke about William and the dissolution of their partnership in a May 2026 “Call Her Daddy” interview.
For individuals unaware of Gayle’s ex-husband’s infidelity, the news anchor discovered his betrayal with one of her acquaintances. Gayle recounted the moment she learned of the affair, recalling that she returned home early, only to find William in a towel and her unnamed female friend attempting to conceal herself from her.
Here’s what to know about Gayle’s marital relationship with William.
They were united in matrimony in 1982
Gayle’s daughter Kirby Bumpus, Gayle, and son William Bumpus Jr. (Shutterstock)
Gayle and William, a legal professional, exchanged vows back in 1982. Significantly, Oprah once shared her reasons for doubting the longevity of the marriage. “It didn’t feel joyful,” the media mogul stated in a 2006 conversation with her O, The Oprah Magazine. “You know how you attend weddings that are brimming with joy? There are some nuptials you attend and you are filled with immense hope for the couple. You sense that something extraordinary is happening. I didn’t experience that at yours. It felt rather unfortunate.”
Oprah refrained from voicing her sentiments at the time. In their shared interview, Gayle informed her that she “wouldn’t have believed” her regardless.
Gayle & William became parents to two children
Throughout the course of their marriage, Gayle and William expanded their family by welcoming children — daughter Kirby, born in May 1986, and son William Bumpus Jr., born in April 1987. Both are now adults, and Kirby bestowed upon the former couple the status of grandparents when she welcomed son, Luca with her spouse Virgil Miller in September 2021.
Gayle & William faced infidelity
In August of 2016, Gayle candidly discussed alleged infidelity that undermined the marriage during a Vanity Fair interview. When asked to identify the individual she “despises” the most, she responded, ” ‘Despise’ is a strong term. I’m not particularly fond of the woman I found undressed with my then-former husband on June 24, 1990, at precisely 9:16 P.M. – but the specifics are no longer clear in my memory,” she remarked.
In 2006, she revisited her perspectives on the alleged incident, this time speaking with Will Smith during his guest appearance on her XM Satellite radio program. “I was married to someone unfaithful,” she was reportedly quoted as saying then. “I participated in marital counseling. I have been divorced since 1993, so I have fully recovered and all is well. I have resolved it. I am not resentful. I am content. I am truly content.”
William, for his part, has offered an apology. In 2016, following her comments to VF, he issued a statement addressing the situation. “I have been tormented by this life-altering decision,” the statement conveyed to Entertainment Tonight. “Although I have managed this privately, I extend a public apology for the significant transgression that profoundly altered the trajectory of all our lives. I hold Gayle in the highest regard and respect how she conducted herself with dignity. Despite the circumstances, she consistently prioritized our children, as well as my connection and involvement with them.
He further proceeded to commend his ex-wife. “Gayle was an exceptional wife, a superb mother, and a wonderful co-parent,” the statement went on to say. “I am forever appreciative of all that she has done and continues to do to enrich my life and the lives of our remarkable adult children. I remain a person in development and have dedicated the last 26 years to becoming a better man and father. I celebrate Gayle’s ongoing extraordinary achievements and friendship!”
Gayle and William finalized their divorce in 1993.