William Bumpus is Gayle King's ex-husband, who she caught in bed with another woman. After working as a cop, Bumpus pursued a career in the legal field.
William Bumpus was famously known as Gayle King's husband from 1982 to 1993. He is also the father of her two children, Kirby and William Jr.
All was well in their married life for several years until an overnight event rocked their marriage. The former couple eventually went through a scandalous divorce that made news headlines, making Bumpus even more known amongst the public.
Where Is William Bumpus Now?
Bumpus, born in the United Kingdom, received his education at Rockhurst High School. He later studied marketing at Central Connecticut State University before attending Yale Law School.
Before pursuing his law degree, Bumpus worked as a police officer. During this time, he met King, and his change in career path may have stemmed from his desire to provide even more for his family.
Bumpus eventually landed a job as the assistant attorney general of Connecticut. He also works as a wellness coach in Waterbury, Connecticut. He said of his career that started in 2018:
"Offer guidance and encouragement to those that wish to become healthier, better versions of themselves. I am enjoying my journey with WW as both a member and a Wellness Coach. WW works!"
Bumpus apologized for his actions and claimed that his mistake had been haunting him for years, although he dealt with it privately.
As of writing, Bumpus still lives in Waterbury and found love yet again. According to his Facebook, Bumpus has been in a relationship with Jane Neu since 2020.
William Bumpus Was Caught Cheating by His Wife, Gayle King
When King became a local anchor in Kansas, Missouri, she crossed paths with then-police officer Bumpus. Together, they relocated to Hartford, Connecticut, where they tied the knot in 1982.
Although it was a happy moment in her life, King's good friend, Oprah Winfrey, felt a little sad during her wedding because she "just didn't think it was going to work out." Winfrey said:
"There are some weddings you go to, and you're filled with all this hope for the couple, and you feel that there's something special going on. I didn't feel that at yours."
True enough, King and Bumpus' relationship did not work. On June 24, 1990, King walked in on her husband in bed with another woman.
"I was married to a cheater," King said, as per CBS News. "I went to marital counseling. I have been divorced since 1993, so I'm all healed and everything. I have worked it out. I'm not bitter."
Bumpus and King's second child, born in April 1987, is the goddaughter of Winfrey, William Jr. The younger William lives a private life despite being surrounded by famous people.
Gayle King during Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala at Tyler Perry Studios on October 05, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Bumpus apologized for his actions and claimed that his mistake had been haunting him for years, although he dealt with it privately. Through his representative, he released a statement that praised his ex-wife. He said:
"I have nothing but the utmost respect for Gayle and how she handled herself with grace. Despite the situation, she kept our children, as well as my relationship and involvement with them, as a clear priority."
He also had nothing but kind words to describe King as a wife and mother." I am eternally grateful for all that she has done and continues to do to enrich my life and the lives of our incredible adult children," he continued.
William Bumpus and Gayle King Have Two Grown-up Children Together
The couple successfully became co-parents and prioritized their children's well-being over their challenges. Eventually, the pair learned to get along and have an amicable relationship for their kids.
Bumpus and King's eldest child, Kirby, was born in May 1986. She became an administrator during former President Barack Obama's reign. However, her Instagram read that she became a health educator and mentor.
She is also famously known for being good friends with Winfrey, who she instantly hit it off with after meeting at Baltimore's WJZ station in 1976.
In February 2019, Kirby announced her engagement to Virgil Miller, and they tied the knot the following year. The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2021, making Bumpus and his ex-wife a first-time grandfather and grandmother.
Gayle King with her kids, Kirby Bumpus and William Bumpus, Jr., during the 2019 Time 100 Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Bumpus and King's second child, born in April 1987, is the godson of Winfrey, William Jr. The younger William lives a private life despite being surrounded by famous people. Aside from enjoying walking with his dog, Scott, little is known about William Jr.
Who Is William Bumpus' Ex-wife, Gayle King?
Bumpus' ex-wife made her name known as a television journalist and co-host of "CBS This Morning," where she had interviews with several celebrities, world leaders, and politicians. She received her education at the University of Maryland, graduating with a psychology degree.
She is also famously known for being good friends with Winfrey, who she instantly hit it off with after meeting at Baltimore's WJZ station in 1976. "We became friends that first night because, for the first time, I met somebody who I felt was like me," King said.
According to Oprah Winfrey, their friendship "feels otherworldly" as though it was "designated by a power and a hand greater than my own." The duo has been present in each other's lives during several triumphs and challenges, and it seems they will never break, come what may.
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