Gayle King

Gayle King
Born	24 October 1957
Birthplace	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Occupation	Journalist, television personality, author
Known for	Co-host of "The Early Show" and "CBS This Morning"; work with *O, The Oprah Winfrey Magazine*; advocacy for breast cancer awareness and mental health

Gayle King is a pioneering journalist and television personality whose career has spanned decades, shaping the landscape of American media. As a co-host of *CBS This Morning* and a former anchor of *The Early Show*, she has become a familiar face in newsrooms across the country. Beyond her on-air presence, King has leveraged her platform to advocate for critical social issues, including breast cancer awareness and mental health. Her work with *O, The Oprah Winfrey Magazine* and her authored books further underscore her influence as a storyteller and commentator on contemporary issues. With a career marked by resilience and a commitment to meaningful journalism, King has established herself as a respected figure in media, bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and modern advocacy. Her ability to connect with audiences while maintaining a focus on substantive topics has cemented her legacy as a trailblazer in her field.

Early Life

Gayle King was born on 24 October 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Joseph King, a school principal, and Lillian King, a teacher. Growing up in a household that valued education and public service, King developed an early interest in communication and storytelling. She attended Xavier University in New Orleans, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications. Her academic pursuits were followed by a master's degree in journalism from the University of New Orleans, which she completed in 1983. During her time in college, King worked as a reporter for local radio stations, honing her skills in broadcasting and news writing. These early experiences laid the foundation for her future career in television and print media. Her family's emphasis on community engagement and intellectual curiosity influenced her approach to journalism, which would later be characterized by a focus on human interest stories and social issues.

Career

King's professional journey began in the 1980s, when she joined WDSU-TV in New Orleans as a reporter and anchor. Her work there earned her recognition for her ability to blend investigative reporting with empathetic storytelling. In 1987, she moved to New York City to join CBS News, where she worked as a correspondent for *CBS Evening News* and *CBS Sunday Morning*. Her tenure at CBS allowed her to cover a wide range of topics, from political events to human interest stories, showcasing her versatility as a journalist. King's on-air presence and ability to connect with audiences led to her being named co-host of *The Early Show* in 1999, a role she held until 2009. During her time on the program, she became known for her calm demeanor and thoughtful interviews, often bringing a unique perspective to the news.

"The Early Show" and "CBS This Morning"

After leaving *The Early Show*, King joined *CBS This Morning* in 2009 as a co-host, a position she held until 2018. Her work on the show was marked by a focus on in-depth interviews and coverage of cultural and social issues. King's ability to balance news with human interest stories made her a fan favorite. In 2018, she took a brief hiatus from the show to focus on her family and personal projects, but she returned in 2020 as a special contributor. Her return was met with enthusiasm from viewers and colleagues alike, highlighting her enduring relevance in the media landscape.

Work with *O, The Oprah Winfrey Magazine*

In addition to her television work, King has been a prominent figure in print media. She joined *O, The Oprah Winfrey Magazine* in 2000 as a contributing editor, where she wrote articles on topics ranging from fashion to social justice. Her writing often reflected her commitment to highlighting underrepresented voices and addressing pressing societal issues. King's contributions to the magazine were recognized with several awards, including a 2005 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Magazine. Her work with *O* further solidified her reputation as a journalist who uses her platform to advocate for important causes.

Author and Advocate

King has also authored several books, including *The Rainbow Chronicles* (2007), a collection of stories about the LGBTQ+ community, and *The Power of Presence* (2018), which explores themes of mindfulness and self-empowerment. These works reflect her broader interests in social issues and personal development. Beyond her writing, King has been a vocal advocate for breast cancer awareness, particularly after her mother was diagnosed with the disease. She has used her platform to raise funds for research and to encourage early detection. Her advocacy for mental health has also been a significant part of her public persona, as she has spoken openly about the importance of seeking help and reducing stigma around mental illness.

Personal Life

Gayle King is married to Larry King, a former CNN anchor and journalist, whom she wed in 1993. The couple has two children, a son and a daughter. King has spoken publicly about the challenges of balancing her career with family life, emphasizing the importance of communication and support. She has also been open about the impact of her mother's battle with breast cancer on her personal and professional life. In interviews, King has described her mother's illness as a turning point that inspired her to become more involved in advocacy work. She has also discussed the importance of mental health, particularly in the context of her own experiences and those of her family. King's personal life has been marked by a commitment to family and a dedication to causes that align with her values, including education, healthcare, and social justice.

Recognition

Gayle King's contributions to journalism and media have been widely recognized through numerous awards and honors. In 2005, she received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Magazine for her work with *O, The Oprah Winfrey Magazine*. She has also been nominated for several Emmy Awards for her work on *CBS This Morning*, though she has not yet won in that category. In 2019, King was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, a testament to her lasting impact on the industry. Her advocacy work has also been acknowledged, with the American Cancer Society recognizing her efforts in breast cancer awareness. In 2021, she was named one of *Time* magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World," highlighting her influence beyond traditional media. These accolades reflect her multifaceted career and her ability to make a difference in both journalism and social advocacy.