Gayle King’s Love Life: 5 Shocking Truths About Her Current Relationship Status And Dating Rules

The question of whether *CBS Mornings* co-host Gayle King has a boyfriend continues to be one of the most persistent and curious topics in celebrity news, especially as of December 11, 2025. Despite her high-profile career and close friendship with Oprah Winfrey, King’s personal romantic life has remained a source of public speculation, fueled recently by viral, yet entirely false, online rumors.

The definitive, up-to-the-minute answer is that Gayle King is currently single and not married, but she is actively looking for love. She has made it abundantly clear that finding a partner and walking down the aisle again is the number one priority on her personal "bucket list," a goal she has been very vocal about in recent interviews. Her candid discussions about dating, her requirements for a future husband, and her reaction to the latest engagement hoaxes provide a fascinating look into the private life of one of America's most beloved broadcast journalists.

Gayle King: A Brief Biography and Family Profile

Gayle King is an award-winning journalist, television personality, and author whose career spans decades across various media platforms. Her candid, warm, and insightful interview style has made her a staple of morning television.

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• Full Name: Gayle King
• Born: December 28, 1954
• Age (as of 2025): 70
• Birthplace: Chevy Chase, Maryland
• Education: Graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in psychology.
• Current Roles: Co-host of *CBS Mornings* (alongside Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson) and Editor-at-Large for *Oprah Daily*.
• Marital Status: Divorced (Currently Single)
• Ex-Husband: William Bumpus (Attorney)
• Marriage Timeline: 1982–1993
• Children: Two—daughter Kirby Bumpus (born 1986) and son William Bumpus Jr. (born 1987).
• Grandchildren: She is a proud grandmother to her daughter Kirby's son, Luca.

King’s marriage to William Bumpus ended in divorce in 1993, a painful period in her life that she has spoken openly about. The divorce was prompted after she discovered her husband's infidelity. Despite the heartbreak, the two have maintained an amicable relationship as co-parents to their two children, Kirby and William Jr.

The Truth About Gayle King's Current Relationship Status and Recent Rumors

For someone who spends hours on live television, Gayle King has managed to keep the details of her romantic life relatively private since her divorce. However, in late 2025, her relationship status was thrust back into the spotlight due to a bizarre, modern-day hoax.

She Publicly Denied AI-Generated Engagement Rumors

In a clear indication of her current single status, King had to address and vehemently deny a viral, AI-generated report that claimed she was engaged or even secretly married. The sophisticated deepfake images and stories circulated widely online, forcing the *CBS Mornings* anchor to set the record straight on her show in October 2025.

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She admitted that the fake images were so convincing that even she had to look closely, but she confirmed that the reports were 100% false. This incident confirms that as of the most recent public statement, Gayle King is not married and is not engaged to anyone.

Marriage is the Top Priority on Her "Bucket List"

While she may not have a boyfriend, King is certainly looking for one—or, more accurately, a husband. The journalist has repeatedly stated that getting married is the single most important item left on her personal bucket list. She is not just looking for a casual dating partner; she is looking for a long-term, committed partnership that leads to marriage.

She has clarified that she is not lonely and enjoys her life as a successful professional, mother, and grandmother. However, she believes that having a partner to share her life with is the one experience she is missing. This desire suggests that any man currently in her life, even if kept private, would be someone she views as a serious potential spouse.

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Gayle King's Dating Philosophy: What She Wants in a Partner

Gayle King has been remarkably candid about the challenges of dating as a high-profile, successful, and financially independent woman. She has shared her dating philosophy and her specific requirements for a potential partner, creating a clear profile of the man who could one day be her husband.

She’s Open to Dating Younger Men

In a refreshing break from traditional expectations, King has expressed interest in dating younger men. She told *Entertainment Tonight* that she is open to the idea, noting that a younger partner might be more energetic and less burdened by the same life experiences as men her own age. This openness highlights her modern approach to finding love and her willingness to look beyond conventional age gaps.

The "Nurse or a Purse" Rule

Perhaps the most famous of King’s dating requirements is her "nurse or a purse" rule. She has stated that she does not want a partner who needs her to be his caretaker (the "nurse") or his financial provider (the "purse").

This rule emphasizes her desire for a true partner—someone who is financially stable, emotionally mature, and healthy enough to contribute equally to the relationship. She is looking for a man who is established and secure in his own life, not someone who sees her wealth or success as an opportunity.

The Challenge of Dating in the Public Eye

King has admitted that her fame makes dating incredibly difficult. She has mused about the possibility of using a dating app but quickly dismissed the idea, noting that her identity would be instantly recognized, making genuine connection nearly impossible.

The public scrutiny means that any relationship she enters is immediately under a microscope. This is likely why, even if she were quietly dating someone, she would be motivated to keep the relationship out of the public eye until it reached a very serious stage. The lack of any verifiable "boyfriend" news suggests that either her dating life is extremely private, or she is still searching for the right match to fulfill her marriage goal.

Topical Authority Entities: Gayle King's Inner Circle and Influences

To understand Gayle King's life and relationship goals, it is essential to consider the key people and entities that shape her world. These individuals and organizations provide context for her personal and professional decisions.

• Oprah Winfrey: Her best friend and confidante for over four decades. Oprah’s influence is profound, and the two often discuss life, career, and relationships openly. It is a well-known fact that King's son, William Bumpus Jr., even got married at Oprah's house.
• CBS Mornings: Her primary professional platform. Her co-hosts and the show itself are often the first place she addresses personal news, such as the AI-generated rumors.
• Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue: King made headlines in 2024 when she appeared as a model in the iconic magazine, showcasing her confidence and vitality in her late 60s, a detail that reinforces her powerful and self-assured approach to life and dating.
• Kirby Bumpus and William Bumpus Jr.: Her two children are a central part of her life. She is heavily involved in their lives and is a doting grandmother, which adds another layer of fulfillment to her life outside of a romantic relationship.

In summary, while Gayle King does not currently have a publicly known boyfriend, her single status is an active choice to find a partner who meets her high standards. She is not passively waiting for love; she is actively pursuing her "bucket list" goal of marriage with the confidence and candor that has defined her career.