Celebrated CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King has joyfully announced she's set to become a grandmother for the third time, putting aside recent career concerns to focus on family celebrations.
Family Celebration Takes Centre Stage
The 70-year-old broadcaster revealed on Thursday that her son Will Bumpus, 38, is expecting his first child with wife Elise Smith. The heartwarming announcement comes just weeks after reports surfaced suggesting King might be pushed out of her presenting role when her contract expires in 2026.
King took to social media to share photos and videos from a star-studded baby shower held last weekend, where close friend Oprah Winfrey was among the guests celebrating the happy news. The event featured sentimental touches including baby photos of the expectant parents on display and opportunities for guests to sign a guestbook and colour baby blocks for the unborn child.
Career Speculation Addressed
The pregnancy announcement arrives during a period of professional uncertainty for the veteran journalist. Last month, King firmly denied claims she would be leaving CBS Mornings, telling TMZ that network executives "want me here, they like the job I'm doing" and that she has no plans to depart.
Her comments followed a Variety report suggesting she might step down from her anchor chair when her contract concludes in May 2026, potentially moving to a different role within the network producing specials. CBS News has since confirmed there have been "no discussions" with King about her current contract and described her as "a truly valued part of CBS."
Growing Family Brings Joy
In an interview with Oprah Daily, King expressed her excitement about her son and daughter-in-law's pregnancy, saying she "can't wait to see them become parents" and is "ready to report for duty for anything they need."
This new addition will mark King's third grandchild. Her daughter Kirby, 39, already has two children - three-year-old son Luca and 18-month-old daughter Grayson. The baby shower, held in Los Angeles, featured beautiful bright yellow flowers and saw guests gathering for group photographs with the expectant parents at the centre of celebrations.
Bumpus and Smith, who married in June last year just four months after their engagement, shared their gratitude during the event with Bumpus delivering a moving speech thanking guests for their love and support.
