Gayle King Sets Sights on Marriage After Spaceflight: What’s Next on Her Bucket List?

After a groundbreaking journey into space with Blue Origin, Gayle King has set her sights on a new, exciting goal – marriage. The 70-year-old CBS Mornings co-anchor, known for her candidness and strong presence in both the journalism world and her personal life, revealed this new milestone during a recent event. Speaking with PEOPLE at the 2025 TIME 100 Gala, King shared a lighthearted moment, discussing what comes next in her life after her monumental spaceflight earlier in April.

From Space to Love: Gayle King’s Next Big Adventure

Gayle King, who gained international attention when she became part of Blue Origin’s all-female spaceflight on April 14, 2025, is clearly not afraid of tackling new challenges. Having flown to space with an exclusive group of trailblazing women—including pop star Katy Perry and businesswoman Lauren Sánchez—King’s perspective on what is possible has drastically shifted. The moment was a dream come true for King, who had never imagined herself embarking on such an extraordinary journey.

While on the ground at the TIME 100 gala, she was asked by a reporter what was next on her “bucket list.” In a playful exchange, King responded with enthusiasm, “Getting married.” She then added, laughing, “No, piercing my ears.” Despite the humor, King’s remarks about marriage made a subtle statement about the next chapter she sees for herself. Having previously been married to William Bumpus, her former husband with whom she shares two children, King’s openness about her desires shows that she is in search of new experiences and connections.

A Love Story from the Past: Gayle King’s Marriage to William Bumpus

Gayle King’s first marriage to William Bumpus lasted from 1982 to 1993. The couple’s marriage, while long-lasting, ended in divorce, and they share two grown children, Kirby Bumpus and William Bumpus Jr. Despite their separation, Gayle King has maintained a close relationship with her ex-husband, and the couple continues to co-parent their children. The mutual respect between them is evident, and the family maintains a bond centered on shared love for their children and grandchildren.

King’s candidness about her past marriage and her current outlook on relationships shows her reflective nature. As a public figure, navigating romance in the limelight can often be difficult, as King herself has admitted. However, she remains hopeful about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead in her personal life.

The Spaceflight Experience: Gayle King’s Journey to the Stars

King’s trip to space wasn’t just an ordinary event; it was a groundbreaking achievement for a woman of her age and prominence. On April 14, 2025, she became part of an all-female crew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. This flight marked a historic moment, as it was a flight entirely made up of women—each one breaking barriers in various fields. King was joined by other notable women, including Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez, and together they spent around 11 minutes in space, experiencing weightlessness and the awe-inspiring beauty of Earth from above.

Upon returning to Earth, King expressed her pride and joy in having accomplished this incredible feat. “I really am proud of me, because I never in a gazillion years thought I could do this,” she shared with a crowd of supporters after landing safely. The experience clearly left her feeling invigorated, and she spoke about how it made her feel unstoppable. “I walked out of there thinking, ‘Gosh, I can do anything!’” King added with a smile.

Her time in space was not only a personal triumph but also a moment that resonated with many of her fans, especially women who looked up to her as a role model. King’s participation in the flight showcased the importance of age and gender diversity in space exploration, setting an inspiring example for others.

A New Chapter in Love: What’s Next for Gayle King?

King’s reflections on love and relationships have been a part of her public persona for years. Throughout her career, she has been open about her dating life, including the challenges of being a public figure in the dating world. In a previous interview on The Tamron Hall Show in May 2024, King spoke candidly about the struggles she faced while trying to find romance in the public eye.

As a high-profile television personality, King has often dealt with the challenges of dating while under constant media scrutiny. “If I could go on a dating app and people didn’t know it was me, but I think it’s hard when you’re a public person,” she explained during the interview. “I do think that’s hard. So you just hope a friend of a friend.”

Despite these challenges, King remains optimistic about finding love. Her openness about her dating experiences has given fans insight into her values and what she is looking for in a partner. “You want somebody who celebrates you, who is excited for you, who is very comfortable in their own skin,” she explained, emphasizing that emotional support and mutual respect are key qualities she seeks in a relationship.

The Age of Love: What Gayle King Seeks in a Partner

While King has always had a playful attitude toward dating, she’s also clear about the qualities she values in a potential partner. In her recent interview, she noted that she prefers someone “definitely younger,” but with a lighthearted twist. “I don’t want to date somebody I could have given birth to,” she quipped, maintaining her trademark sense of humor about the topic.

King also made it clear that she doesn’t want to settle for just anyone. When it comes to her age range, she joked, “I don’t want to be a nurse or a purse. I would like it that they have all of their teeth. That would be nice.” Her playful comments reflect her desire for a partner who is mature, healthy, and ready for a meaningful connection.

Yet, beyond the jokes, King is serious about finding someone who will truly support her. “I want somebody who celebrates me,” she said, “who is excited for me, who is very comfortable in their own skin.” For King, it’s not about appearances or superficial qualities, but about emotional compatibility and support in navigating life’s challenges.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Gayle King?

As Gayle King continues to break barriers in both her career and personal life, her future remains wide open. Whether it’s her successful career as a journalist, her groundbreaking journey into space, or her pursuit of love, King’s fearless attitude and positive outlook make her a role model for many. She is determined to continue chasing after new experiences, from marriage to new adventures, proving that age is just a number when it comes to achieving your dreams.

For those following Gayle King’s journey, her upcoming milestones promise to be as exciting and inspiring as everything she has accomplished so far. Stay tuned for what’s next in the life of this trailblazing journalist and public figure.