Gayle King always knew she wanted to be a mother, and she found her own parenting style along the way. She shared two children with her ex-husband, William Bumpus, whom she was married to from 1982 to 1993. Her daughter, Kirby Bumpus, was born in 1986, and her son, William Bumpus Jr., followed in 1987.
Gayle King’s best friend, Oprah Winfrey, praised her parenting skills, saying she had never seen a better mother. King has maintained a close relationship with her children, sharing moments from their lives on social media.
Kirby Bumpus, now 38, has an impressive educational background, graduating from Stanford University and earning a master’s degree from Columbia University. She has worked for various organizations, including the White House and Under Armour, and was the Head of Social Impact and Inclusion at Sweetgreen.
In 2020, Kirby married Virgil Miller, and the couple welcomed their son, Luca, in 2021. Gayle King expressed her joy at becoming a grandmother and shared special moments with her grandson.
William Bumpus Jr., 37, also has a successful career, with degrees from Duke University and Stanford University. He founded the nonprofit reWerk and serves as a Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising. William has a close bond with his sister, Kirby, and played a significant role in her wedding.
In June 2024, William married Elise Smith in a ceremony at Oprah Winfrey’s house. Gayle King shared details from the wedding, highlighting the emotional vows exchanged between the couple.
Overall, Gayle King’s children, Kirby Bumpus and William Bumpus Jr., have grown into successful adults with fulfilling personal and professional lives. Their close relationship with their mother and each other reflects the strong family bond they share.