The Untold Story Of William Bumpus: What Happened To Gayle King's Ex-Husband After The Divorce And Where Are Their Children Now?

For decades, the world has known Gayle King as the celebrated co-host of *CBS Mornings* and the lifelong best friend of media mogul Oprah Winfrey. However, the details of her personal life, particularly her 11-year marriage to attorney William Bumpus, remain a source of curiosity for many. The couple's relationship, which began in the early 1980s, ended in a highly public and painful divorce that King has since spoken about with remarkable candor, turning a moment of personal crisis into a powerful lesson on recovery and co-parenting.

The marriage between Gayle King and William Bumpus lasted from 1982 to 1993 and produced two successful children, Kirby and William Jr., who have gone on to forge impressive careers in their own right. This article delves into the life and career of William Bumpus, the specifics of their amicable post-divorce relationship, and the latest updates on what the entire family is doing today in late 2025.

William Bumpus: Biography, Career, and Marriage to Gayle King

William Bumpus is an American attorney and legal professional who gained significant public attention through his marriage to Gayle King. While he has maintained a relatively private life compared to his celebrity ex-wife, his professional background is distinguished, and he continues to practice law today.

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• Full Name: William G. Bumpus
• Occupation: Attorney, Child Protection Attorney, Partner at The Levine Litigation Law Firm
• Education: Graduated from Yale Law School
• Marital Status: Divorced from Gayle King (Has not publicly remarried)
• Spouse (Ex): Gayle King (Married 1982–1993)
• Children: Kirby Bumpus (Daughter) and William Bumpus Jr. (Son)
• Notable Career Roles: Assistant Attorney General of Connecticut (early career), Partner at The Levine Litigation Law Firm (current)

Bumpus began his professional journey immediately after graduating from Yale Law School, serving as an Assistant Attorney General in Connecticut in the 1980s. This role established him as a serious figure in the legal sector, a career path he would continue to follow long after his separation from King.

The Infidelity That Ended the Marriage

Gayle King and William Bumpus were married for 11 years, but their union came to an abrupt end in 1993. The primary and widely-reported reason for the divorce was Bumpus's infidelity. King has been remarkably open about the painful details, recounting the moment she caught her ex-husband with another woman.

In a candid interview, King revealed that she discovered the affair after being tipped off by a neighbor. She drove to the location and, in a moment of emotional chaos, even flattened the tires on his car to ensure he couldn't leave. King has since stated that she was "married to a cheater" and that the experience was devastating, but she has long since healed from the trauma.

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Despite the difficult circumstances of their divorce, William Bumpus has publicly apologized for his actions. In a statement released years later, he expressed "deep regret" for the pain he caused King and their children, acknowledging his mistake and the importance of their ongoing co-parenting relationship. The couple has managed to maintain a surprisingly amicable relationship, focusing on raising their two children together.

William Bumpus’s Current Life and Career in Late 2025

Unlike his ex-wife, William Bumpus has remained largely out of the spotlight, dedicating his life to his legal career and family. However, recent information confirms his continued success and professional focus in the legal field.

Current Legal Specialization: Family and Child Protection Law

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As of late 2025, William Bumpus is a Partner at The Levine Litigation Law Firm, where he specializes in family law. His work is highly focused on child protection, and he serves in a critical capacity as a Guardian ad Litem. This role involves representing the best interests of minors in a court of law, often in complex family disputes. His professional focus on protecting children is a poignant evolution from his earlier career and demonstrates a continued commitment to public service within the legal system.

This professional stability is a testament to the post-divorce peace the family has found. Bumpus has even spoken out in praise of Gayle King, notably applauding her as a "trailblazer" when she appeared on the cover of the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue*, indicating a genuine sense of respect and admiration for her success.

The Success of Gayle King and William Bumpus's Children

Perhaps the greatest testament to the couple's successful co-parenting is the impressive professional and personal lives of their two children, Kirby and William Bumpus Jr. Both have carved out influential careers in fields dedicated to social impact and finance, with Oprah Winfrey serving as their godmother.

Kirby Bumpus: Public Health and Social Impact Leader

Kirby Bumpus, born in 1986, has built a formidable career centered on public health and social impact. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to wellness and community change.

• Current Role: Head of Social Impact and Inclusion at Sweetgreen.
• Previous Experience: She has over a decade of experience in public health, including policy work and a role in digital marketing at Under Armour.
• Personal Life: Kirby is married and her wedding was a celebrated event, attended by her mother, father, and godmother, Oprah Winfrey, further highlighting the family's unity.

Kirby’s work involves bridging the gap between public health policy and corporate responsibility, making her a powerful voice in the social impact space. Her career is a clear example of the children making a name for themselves outside of their parents' fame.

William Bumpus Jr.: Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship

William Bumpus Jr., born in 1987, has established himself in the high-stakes world of finance and venture capital, with a strong focus on supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and communities.

• Current Roles: Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising and Partner at Concrete Rose Capital.
• Nonprofit Work: He is the founder of reWerk, a nonprofit organization.
• Professional Focus: His work is concentrated on venture capital and equity, aiming to create change by funding and supporting diverse business ventures.

William Jr. is a key figure in the next generation of venture capitalists, using his expertise to drive both profit and social change, often focusing on technology and social impact initiatives. His success, much like his sister’s, is frequently celebrated by both of his parents on social media and in interviews.

Gayle King’s Post-Divorce Love Life and Future Plans

Gayle King has been a single woman since her 1993 divorce, choosing to prioritize her career, her children, and her close friendship with Oprah Winfrey. She has never remarried, a fact that she has openly joked about and discussed as a priority on her personal "bucket list."

King has been candid about the challenges of dating as a high-profile personality, noting that it can be difficult to find a genuine connection. She has shared humorous, yet cautionary, tales from her dating life, including a story about a man she dated who eventually asked her for $4,000 for child support, which led to their breakup.

Despite the ups and downs of her love life, Gayle King maintains a positive outlook and continues to be open to finding love. Her focus remains on her family, her career at CBS, and celebrating the milestones of her children, including becoming a proud grandmother. The enduring bond between King, her ex-husband William Bumpus, and their two successful children is a powerful narrative of forgiveness, resilience, and successful co-parenting after a public split.