Updated: May 28, 2026
Gayle King, the iconic co-host of CBS Mornings and close friend of Oprah Winfrey, is not just a powerhouse in journalism—she’s a devoted mother and proud grandmother. While her career spans decades of insightful interviews and bold reporting, her personal life shines through her close bond with her two children. In this post, we explore everything about Gayle King’s kids, their achievements, and the beautiful family moments that fans love to see.
Table of Contents
Who Are Gayle King’s Children?
Gayle King shares two children with her ex-husband, William Bumpus, to whom she was married from 1982 to 1993. Their daughter Kirby and son William Jr. have grown into accomplished adults while maintaining a warm, supportive relationship with their mother.
- Kirby Bumpus: Born in 1986, Kirby is Gayle’s eldest child. She graduated from Stanford University and has built a successful career in marketing and communications.
- William (Will) Bumpus Jr.: The younger sibling, Will, has carved his own path, often appearing in family celebrations and showing a creative, grounded personality.
Gayle frequently refers to them affectionately as her “favorite daughter” and “favorite son,” a running joke that highlights their tight-knit family dynamic.
Kirby Bumpus: Career, Marriage, and Motherhood
Kirby Bumpus has followed in her mother’s footsteps of excellence. After earning her degree from Stanford, she worked in various high-profile roles, including positions that blend creativity and strategy. She is married to Virgil Miller, and the couple has built a beautiful life together.
Key highlights about Kirby:
- Proud mom to two children: son Luca and daughter Grayson (born in May 2024).
- Celebrated her birthday alongside the arrival of her second child, making Mother’s Day 2024 extra special for the entire family.
- Maintains a relatively private life but occasionally shares heartwarming family moments on social media.
Gayle often beams with pride when speaking about Kirby’s strength and intelligence, noting how she balances career ambitions with family life gracefully.
William Bumpus Jr.: Love, Marriage, and New Beginnings
Will Bumpus Jr. continues to make his mother proud with his kind nature and personal growth. In recent years, he has been in the spotlight for joyful milestones.
Notable updates on Will:
- Married Elise Smith in an intimate ceremony at Oprah Winfrey’s home in June 2024.
- The couple announced they are expecting their first child in late 2025, with Gayle excitedly sharing baby shower photos.
- Will shares a close bond with his sister Kirby and is a loving uncle to Luca and Grayson.
Gayle has described Will’s wedding vows as goosebump-inducing and frequently posts about how happy she is to welcome Elise as her “favorite daughter-in-law.”
The Joy of Being a Grandmother
Gayle King openly embraces her role as “Glam-ma.” Her grandchildren bring her immense happiness, and she often shares glimpses of family gatherings that include Oprah and other loved ones. Balancing a demanding career with family time, Gayle emphasizes the importance of being present for her children and grandchildren.
Here’s a quick overview of Gayle King’s family:
| Family Member | Relation to Gayle | Key Details | Notable Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirby Bumpus | Daughter | Stanford graduate, marketing professional | Mother to Luca & Grayson (2024) |
| William Bumpus Jr. | Son | Married to Elise Smith | Expecting first child (2025/2026) |
| Luca Miller | Grandson | Kirby’s first child | Big brother to Grayson |
| Grayson Miller | Granddaughter | Born May 2024 | Made Gayle a grandma again |
| Elise Smith | Daughter-in-law | Married Will in 2024 | Expecting baby with Will |
This table captures the core of Gayle’s growing family tree as of 2026.
Tips for Building a Strong Family Like Gayle’s
Gayle King’s approach to parenting offers valuable lessons:
- Prioritize open communication: Even after divorce, she maintained a positive co-parenting relationship.
- Support independence: Both Kirby and Will pursued their own paths while knowing they had their mother’s full backing.
- Celebrate milestones big and small: From graduations to baby showers, Gayle shows up with love and enthusiasm.
- Balance career and family: Her success proves you can thrive professionally without sacrificing personal bonds.
Conclusion
Gayle King kids, Kirby and William Jr., represent the heart of her world beyond the camera. As a trailblazing journalist, she has inspired millions, but it’s her role as a mother and grandmother that reveals her warmth and depth. Watching her family grow—with new marriages, babies, and shared joys—reminds us that success is sweetest when shared with loved ones. Whether through heartfelt Instagram posts or touching interviews, Gayle continues to show that family always comes first. Here’s to more beautiful chapters for the King-Bumpus clan!