7 Ways Gayle King Redefined 'Sexy' In Her 70s: From SI Swimsuit Cover To Red Carpet Power Moves

The conversation around what constitutes "sexy" in the media has been dramatically—and positively—redefined, and broadcast legend Gayle King is leading the charge. As of late 2025, the *CBS Mornings* co-host has cemented her status as a style icon and a powerful symbol of body confidence, especially following a series of high-profile fashion moments that have captivated fans and critics alike. Her recent visibility, particularly her groundbreaking magazine appearances and bold red-carpet choices, proves that true allure transcends age and is rooted in self-assurance. The most compelling and recent evidence of this transformation is King's stunning inclusion in the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, a powerful statement that immediately went viral across social media and news outlets. This moment, along with her continued sartorial excellence on and off the air, has generated a massive surge in interest, proving that her unique brand of confident, age-defying style is resonating deeply with a global audience looking for authentic representation.

Gayle King: Broadcast Journalist & Confidence Icon Profile

Gayle King is a decorated American television personality, author, and broadcast journalist, best known as the co-host of *CBS Mornings*. Her career spans decades, marked by insightful interviews, a warm on-screen presence, and an enduring friendship with media mogul Oprah Winfrey. However, her recent public profile has shifted, incorporating a strong focus on fashion, wellness, and self-acceptance, making her a powerful cultural figure in her 70s.

• Full Name: Gayle King
• Date of Birth: December 28, 1954
• Age (as of late 2025): 70
• Place of Birth: Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
• Education: University of Maryland, College Park (B.A. in Psychology)
• Primary Role: Co-host of *CBS Mornings* (formerly *CBS This Morning*)
• Key Career Highlights: Editor-at-Large for *O, The Oprah Magazine*; Co-host of *CBS Mornings*; Peabody Award winner; named one of *Time* magazine's 100 Most Influential People.
• Notable Relationships: Best friend of Oprah Winfrey; formerly married to William Bumpus (1982–1993).
• Children: Kirby Bumpus and William Bumpus Jr.

The Groundbreaking 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Feature

The single most defining moment fueling the "Gayle King sexy" search is her powerful appearance in the 60th-anniversary edition of the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue* in 2024. This feature was not just a photoshoot; it was a cultural event that challenged long-held beauty standards in the media and celebrated confidence at every stage of life.

King, who was 69 at the time of the shoot, graced the pages alongside other influential figures, delivering what many outlets described as "tasteful cleavage" and a vibrant, powerful presence. The images, shot by renowned photographer Yu Tsai in Mexico, showcased King in a variety of flattering, brightly colored swimwear, including a striking yellow one-piece suit. Her decision to participate was a bold endorsement of self-love and body positivity, inspiring countless women who may not see themselves represented in traditional fashion magazines.

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In interviews following the publication, King emphasized that the opportunity was about feeling strong, happy, and confident in her own skin, a message that resonated far beyond the fashion world. The photos quickly went viral, with fans praising her for her courage and for showing that "sexy" is an attitude, not a number on a scale or an age on a calendar. This single editorial choice repositioned her from a respected news anchor to a genuine icon of modern female empowerment.

Gayle King's Style Evolution: A Masterclass in Power Dressing

Beyond the swimsuit moment, Gayle King’s daily and event fashion choices have undergone a noticeable and documented evolution, contributing significantly to her elevated style profile. Her wardrobe, once known primarily for its vibrant color-blocking on *CBS Mornings*, has become increasingly sophisticated, chic, and fashion-forward for major public events, demonstrating a willingness to take risks and embrace high fashion.

The Met Gala and A-List Appearances:

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King’s appearances at events like the Met Gala are now highly anticipated. For the 2024 Met Gala, King attended the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" theme, showcasing a look that was both elegant and perfectly on-theme. Similarly, her presence at high-profile events, such as the Louis Vuitton Hamptons Garden Party in July 2024, showcases her comfort in luxury and contemporary fashion.

This style shift is not merely about expensive clothes; it’s about intentional dressing. She frequently utilizes bright, saturated colors—a signature style element—but pairs them with tailored silhouettes, modern accessories, and a confident posture. This blend of classic broadcast professionalism with modern celebrity glamour has made her a fashion entity in her own right, often featured in "best-dressed" lists. The shift reflects a growing topical authority in the fashion space, moving beyond her identity as solely a news personality.

Confidence, Wellness, and The Power of Self-Acceptance

The newfound public perception of King’s "sexy" image is inextricably linked to her documented journey toward greater health and self-confidence. In recent years, King has been open about her focus on wellness, which has resulted in significant weight loss and a palpable increase in her energy and self-esteem.

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The Wellness Journey:

King has shared with her audience that she has shed a notable amount of weight, an achievement she attributes to a dedicated focus on health. She has repeatedly stated that the transformation was not just about the numbers on the scale, but about feeling "stronger, and more confident than I've ever felt." This candid discussion about her personal struggles and triumphs has made her relatable and inspirational, adding depth to her public image.

This personal journey provides the emotional core for why the "Gayle King sexy" narrative resonates so strongly. Her confidence is evident in her posture, her vibrant choices, and her willingness to pose in a bikini on vacation, a moment she shared with her family and fans. By openly embracing her body and her journey, she has transformed the keyword from a simple observation into a celebration of self-acceptance and the vitality that comes with prioritizing one's well-being. This powerful narrative of aging gracefully, confidently, and stylishly is a key reason for her enduring popularity and the public's fascination with her style choices.

The Impact of the "Oprah Effect" and Friendship

No discussion of Gayle King's public life is complete without acknowledging her decades-long, close friendship with Oprah Winfrey. This relationship, a pillar of her personal and professional life, has also played an indirect role in her public image evolution. The two are often seen together at major events, and their shared circle of influence includes some of the most powerful and stylish figures in media and entertainment.

Oprah has consistently supported King's choices, including her foray into the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue*, further amplifying the positive message of confidence and self-love. Being part of this influential duo often means access to top-tier designers, stylists, and fashion opportunities, which naturally contributes to King's polished and high-fashion public appearances. This powerful alliance in the world of media and fashion ensures that King's style moments are always noticed, discussed, and celebrated, cementing her as a permanent fixture in the celebrity style landscape.

7 Defining Moments That Prove Gayle King is a Modern Icon

Gayle King’s recent career and public life have been marked by a series of bold, confident choices that collectively define her as a modern icon of style and self-assurance. These moments are key to understanding the renewed interest in her public image.

1. The 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover/Feature: A groundbreaking moment that globally redefined age and beauty standards.
2. The Met Gala 2024 Appearance: Her elegant and themed ensemble solidified her status as a serious fashion attendee, moving beyond her news anchor persona.
3. Viral Yellow Swimsuit Photos: Shared photos of her rocking bright, figure-flattering swimwear on vacation, demonstrating real-life confidence.
4. The Public Wellness Journey: Her open discussion about her 25–30 pound weight loss and increased strength, focusing on health over vanity.
5. Consistent Designer Color-Blocking: Her signature use of vibrant, saturated colors on *CBS Mornings* has become a recognizable, powerful style element.
6. Louis Vuitton Event Style: Her chic, sophisticated look at the Louis Vuitton Hamptons party in 2024, showcasing her comfort with luxury fashion houses.
7. Championing Confidence in Interviews: Her commitment to using her platform to discuss self-acceptance and the pursuit of dreams at any age, as seen in her interviews on Oprah Daily and other platforms.

Gayle King’s journey is a powerful testament to the idea that true allure is a reflection of inner strength, health, and a refusal to be defined by age. Her continued evolution in the public eye serves as an inspiration, proving that the most attractive quality is unwavering self-confidence.