Gayle King

Gayle King Net Worth

Explore Gayle King’s net worth, career highlights, salary, and personal life. Learn about her success in journalism, her friendship with Oprah, and her real estate holdings.

Gayle King at a Glance

  • Categories: Celebrities
  • Net Worth: $40 Million
  • Birthdate: Dec 28, 1954 (69 years old)
  • Birthplace: Chevy Chase
  • Gender: Female
  • Profession: Actor
  • Nationality: United States of America
  • Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)

Gayle King: Net Worth, Salary, Career, and Personal Life

What is Gayle King’s Net Worth and Salary?

Gayle King, a prominent figure in American journalism, has established herself as a highly respected and successful media personality. As of 2024, Gayle King’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million. This substantial wealth is a testament to her successful career as a journalist, author, magazine editor, and television personality. Her earnings are derived from a multitude of sources, including her lucrative contracts with CBS, her role as an editor, and various other media ventures.

Her primary source of income is undoubtedly her television career, particularly her role as a co-host on “CBS Mornings.” King’s salary at CBS has been a subject of public interest, and for good reason. Between 2014 and 2019, her salary was $5.5 million per year. This equates to roughly $30 million in gross earnings over that five-year period. In May 2019, she negotiated a new, highly favorable deal that is worth a minimum of $11 million per year, further solidifying her financial success.

Early Life and Education

Gayle King’s journey began on December 28, 1954, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She was born into a family where education and hard work were valued. Her mother, Peggy, was a homemaker, and her father, Scott, was an electrical engineer. Growing up, Gayle experienced a unique upbringing. Due to her father’s work, the family spent several years living in Turkey. This early exposure to different cultures likely broadened her perspective and contributed to her adaptability. King has three younger sisters.

After returning to the United States, King pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, where she excelled academically, earning a double degree in psychology and sociology in 1976. During her college years, she gained early experience in the media industry by working at the television station WTOP-TV. After graduating, King embarked on her professional career, starting as a production assistant at WJZ-TV in Baltimore. This initial role provided her with hands-on experience and laid the foundation for her future success. She then moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she honed her skills as a general-assignment reporter and weekend anchor for WDAF-TV.

A Distinguished Career in Journalism and Broadcasting

Gayle King’s career has been marked by a consistent drive for excellence and a remarkable ability to connect with audiences. Her professional path has encompassed a variety of roles, from local news anchor to national television host. King’s career really took off when she was hired by WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut, where she worked as a news anchor for 18 years. This long tenure allowed her to build a strong reputation and establish herself as a trusted source of information in the local community.

Alongside her local news work, King gained national recognition as a special correspondent for “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Over the show’s 25-season run, she appeared 141 times, showcasing her ability to conduct compelling interviews and engage with a broad audience. King’s versatility was further demonstrated when she co-hosted “Cover to Cover,” an NBC daytime talk show, with Robin Wagner in 1991. Although the show was short-lived, it provided her with additional experience in the talk show format.

King also hosted three iterations of “The Gayle King Show.” The first was a syndicated talk show in 1997, followed by a show on XM Satellite Radio in 2006, and finally, a show on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) in 2011. Her work on OWN gave her another platform to connect with viewers and showcase her interviewing skills. She then transitioned to co-anchor “CBS This Morning.” Her original co-anchors were Charlie Rose and Erica Hill. Hill left after six months, and Rose was fired in 2017 due to sexual misconduct allegations. Norah O’Donnell became a co-anchor after Hill’s departure, and John Dickerson replaced Rose in January 2018. The co-anchors left in May 2019, and Anthony Mason and Tony Dokoupil became Gayle’s new co-anchors.

King has also made notable contributions to other media platforms, including her role as a special correspondent for “Good Morning America” and her co-hosting duties on “Oprah and Friends” on XM Satellite Radio. King’s 2019 interview with R. Kelly, in which she maintained her composure amid Kelly’s emotional outbursts, generated significant attention and showcased her professionalism and ability to navigate difficult situations. King is also known for advocating for transparency and accountability within CBS, particularly in regards to allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against former CEO Leslie Moonves.

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Personal Life and Relationships

Gayle King’s personal life has been marked by both joy and challenges, reflecting the complexities of life. She married attorney and assistant attorney general Bill Bumpus in 1982, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1993. Despite the difficulties, King has always prioritized her family and maintained a strong support system. King and Bumpus have two children.

King and Bumpus welcomed their daughter, Kirby, in May 1986, and their son, William Jr., in April 1987. Oprah Winfrey is the godmother of her children, highlighting the deep and enduring friendship between the two women. King and Winfrey’s friendship began in 1976 when they worked together at WJZ-TV. Their bond has remained strong throughout the years. In 2018, Winfrey presented King with an award upon her induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. The following year, the pair collaborated on a video series for OprahMag.com titled “The OG Chronicles,” further showcasing their close relationship and shared experiences. King has also been known for keeping her private life mostly away from the public eye, except for the stories that are relevant to her career.

Awards and Honors Recognizing Gayle King’s Achievements

Gayle King’s outstanding contributions to journalism and broadcasting have been widely recognized with numerous awards and honors. These accolades reflect her dedication, talent, and impact on the media landscape. King has received three Emmy Awards, a testament to her excellence in television. She earned the American Women in Radio & Television Gracie Award for Outstanding Radio Talk Show in 2008, highlighting her successful ventures in radio. In 2010, she received the New York Women in Communications’ Matrix Award and the Individual Achievement Award for Host-Entertainment/Information. In 2017, King was honored at Variety’s Power of Women luncheon for her work with the educational nonprofit organization SEO Scholars. In 2019, her influence and impact were further acknowledged when she was included on “Time” magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people.

Gayle King’s Real Estate Holdings

Gayle King has invested in real estate, reflecting her financial success and her desire for comfortable living. In 2008, she purchased a $7 million penthouse in Manhattan. The residence, which spans 2,500 square feet, includes two fireplaces and a wraparound terrace. Later that year, her home in Greenwich, Connecticut, was listed for nearly $7.5 million. King had acquired the 10,000-square-foot house for $3.6 million in 2000. Public records indicate that the home is owned by Overground Railroad LLC, a company owned by Oprah Winfrey.

Conclusion

Gayle King’s journey from a young girl living in Turkey to a celebrated journalist and media personality is truly inspiring. Her dedication, hard work, and ability to connect with audiences have led to a remarkable career. Through her work on television, in print, and in radio, King has consistently informed, entertained, and engaged with the public. Her net worth of $40 million, the awards and honors she’s received, and her enduring friendships all speak to her lasting impact on the media industry and beyond.