Gayle Patrice King, born December 28, 1954, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, grew up in a stable home with parents Peggy and Emmett King and three sisters. Her family had lived abroad before returning to the United States, where she pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning degrees in psychology and sociology. King began her career as a news anchor and talk show host, establishing herself in journalism before becoming widely known as Oprah Winfrey's close friend and collaborator. She previously worked at various stations and was married to William Bumpus until their divorce. King joined CBS News as a correspondent and has risen to prominence as co-host of CBS Mornings (previously CBS This Morning) and as an editor-at-large for Oprah Daily. Named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2019, she has received numerous awards for her journalism. King has also appeared in films such as The Manchurian Candidate (2004), Queen & Slim (2019), and The Boss (2016), and continues to influence media through her broadcasting and editorial roles as a CBS News contributor.