Gayle King isn’t leaving CBS Mornings anytime soon. After speculation surfaced that the veteran anchor was eyeing an exit next year, CBS News is setting the record straight: King remains under contract and on the morning show’s anchor desk.
“There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026,” a CBS News spokesperson told People on October 30. “She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”
The clarification follows a round of restructuring at Paramount Global, CBS News’ parent company, which recently included the cancellation of a CBS Mornings streaming program. The change fueled chatter about potential shifts on the broadcast, but for viewers, the bottom line is simple: mornings with Gayle King aren’t changing.
CBS Shuts Down Exit Rumors
CBS News’ statement directly addresses the reports that suggested King might depart in 2025, emphasizing that no exit strategy is in motion. With a deal that runs through May 2026, the network is making clear that one of its most recognizable anchors will remain a central part of its morning identity for the foreseeable future.
“She’s a truly valued part of CBS” doubles as a reminder of King’s profile both within the organization and with audiences. The Emmy-winning journalist has long been a key driver of the show’s blend of newsmaking interviews and conversational chemistry, a formula that has helped define CBS’ approach to morning TV.
For now, viewers can expect the same steady lineup they’ve seen in recent years: King continues to lead CBS Mornings alongside co-anchors Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson, a trio that’s become a reliable foundation for the broadcast.
A Decade Plus At The Desk
King has been a fixture at CBS since 2012, when she joined CBS This Morning with Charlie Rose and Norah O’Donnell. Over the last 13 years, she has navigated multiple iterations of the program and a rotating roster of cohosts, including Anthony Mason, while maintaining her role as the broadcast’s signature interviewer and empathetic voice.
Her guest list reflects that stature. King has sat down with presidents and pop culture titans alike, including President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and her longtime friend Oprah Winfrey. Those conversations highlight her strength as an interviewer: curious, calm, and consistent, even when the spotlight turns hot.
At 70, King’s presence remains both authoritative and approachable, qualities that are prized on a show built around early-morning habits. In an increasingly crowded morning landscape, having a trusted anchor who can deliver headline-making moments without sacrificing credibility is a valuable competitive edge.
The R. Kelly Interview That Defined Composure
Among King’s many high-profile sit-downs, her 2019 interview with R. Kelly remains the defining viral moment of her tenure. As the disgraced singer became visibly agitated, stood up, and shouted, King stayed seated and composed, guiding the conversation without escalating the scene.
“It escalated rather quickly,” King told People that same year. “It went from 0 to 200. When it’s happening in that moment, you don’t really feel it. I could tell he was getting a little angry, I could see that, but I didn’t expect it to go there.”
She added, “When he jumped out of the chair, and he’s hitting, and he’s screaming, and spit is flying because he’s angry, I just thought, ‘You can’t respond in kind to that.’ If you respond in kind to that, then we’re both off the rails.” The clip captured what King does best: maintain control, keep the focus on the story, and let the audience see the truth in real time.
What It Means For Morning TV
Morning television thrives on routine, and star anchors are part of that daily ritual. By shutting down rumors about King’s departure, CBS is signaling stability during a period of broader media flux, especially as networks refine streaming strategies and recalibrate news resources.
For CBS Mornings, that stability matters. King’s continued presence helps the broadcast retain its personality and pace while delivering the kind of interviews that routinely drive conversation beyond the breakfast hour. With her contract running through spring 2026, the show keeps its most dependable constant—and viewers keep waking up to a familiar voice.
