EXCLUSIVE: “I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!”—Gayle King Drops SHOCKING Revelation About Her Dating Life a Year After Denying Rumors with Oprah!

In a candid and eye-opening interview, Gayle King, the renowned CBS anchor and longtime best friend of Oprah Winfrey, has revealed a shocking update about her dating life—a topic she has often kept private. After years of keeping her personal relationships under wraps, King recently shared an unexpected truth about her romantic preferences, leaving viewers and the media world reeling.

In the interview with Entertainment Tonight, King, 70, opened up about her desire to find love—and more specifically, her openness to dating someone younger. Her statement comes just a year after she and Oprah vigorously denied rumors of a romantic relationship between the two of them. Now, King is setting the record straight on what she’s looking for in a partner, and it’s shaking up expectations.

A Bold New Perspective on Dating

While attending a launch event for Hoda Kotb’s new venture, Joy 101, King was asked about her views on finding love again. In response, King confidently asserted, “I’m alert and available!” She continued by asking the interviewer, “Why, you got somebody for me?” Her lighthearted, yet open tone sparked curiosity, and fans took to social media immediately, thrilled by the prospect of Gayle King navigating the dating scene.

When asked directly about rumors that she prefers younger men, King didn’t shy away. “I’ve always said that,” she admitted, emphasizing that while she was open to younger men, there was a limit. “I just don’t want someone young enough I could’ve given birth to,” she clarified, laughing. “But I’m not mad at younger. I’m not a cougar, but yeah. I just say this… you stay open to all possibilities.”

King’s admission about being interested in younger men has been a recurring theme in her public conversations, but it’s been overshadowed by the years-long speculation surrounding her relationship with Oprah. While she’s expressed interest in younger partners, King has made it clear she isn’t looking for someone “too” young.

The Oprah Rumors: A Long-Awaited Clarification

While Gayle King’s personal life has often made headlines, perhaps the most persistent rumor has been about her relationship with her best friend, Oprah Winfrey. For years, the public speculated that the two were romantically linked. These rumors reached a boiling point in 2024, and King and Oprah finally addressed them head-on. In a candid conversation during an interview with Melinda Gates, Oprah laughed off the speculation.

“For years, people used to say we were gay,” Oprah said, acknowledging how the rumors persisted. “We were up against that forever. People still think that.”

King, too, reflected on how the constant rumors about her relationship with Oprah affected her dating life. “I used to say, ‘You’ve got to do a show on this because it’s hard enough for me to get a date on Saturday night with people thinking we’re gay,’” she confessed. The playful, yet honest admission revealed how the speculation over her and Oprah’s bond has affected King’s personal life for years.

Despite the long-standing rumors, King and Oprah have always maintained that they are the closest of friends and have never been romantically involved. But King’s candid comments about her dating preferences add a layer of complexity to the picture. She’s now making it clear that while her relationship with Oprah is deeply important, she is, in fact, seeking romance in her own life.

A New Era of Love and Confidence

King’s openness about her romantic desires comes at a time when she is embracing a new chapter in her life. Following her divorce from William Bumpus in 1993 after an 11-year marriage, King has rarely been romantically linked to anyone publicly. However, in 2006, rumors swirled about a brief fling with Senator Cory Booker, though nothing was ever confirmed.

Today, King is more focused on what she truly wants in a partner—someone who is self-assured, confident, and emotionally supportive. “I would like it to start with a five,” King said when discussing the ideal age of her potential partner. “I don’t wanna be a nurse or a purse. I don’t want that. I’d like that they have all of their teeth. That would be nice.” She also explained that it’s not about money, but about finding someone who is confident in their own skin and who supports her ambitions.

King’s comments speak to a desire for a partner who celebrates her for who she is, someone who is emotionally mature and supportive—not someone seeking to gain from her fame. It’s about mutual respect and understanding, which King acknowledges can be difficult to find.

The Power of Vulnerability and Moving Forward

Gayle King’s journey to openly discussing her dating life, particularly after years of speculation and personal challenges, is a powerful moment of vulnerability. In an age where celebrity relationships often play out in public, King’s choice to take control of her narrative shows a deep commitment to living authentically.

Her openness allows for a conversation about the challenges and rewards of finding love later in life—how self-discovery, past experiences, and personal growth shape the relationships we pursue. As King looks ahead, she’s not just embracing the possibility of love, but also leaning into the joy of self-empowerment and living without the constraints of others’ expectations.

Conclusion: The Future of Gayle King’s Love Life

For now, Gayle King remains a beloved figure who continues to offer wisdom, charm, and authenticity to her viewers. Her admission that she is “alert and available” sends a message of hope to those navigating the complicated terrain of love, especially for those who may have waited, like her, to truly pursue their own happiness. As she embraces a future where she is open to love, her journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your own story.

What comes next in Gayle King’s romantic journey is anyone’s guess, but one thing is clear: she’s not waiting for anyone’s approval. She’s living her life on her terms—and her fans are cheering her on every step of the way.