We all know Gayle King as the renowned television journalist and even more-so as the loyal best friend of Oprah Winfrey. Over the years, what we haven’t gotten to know her much as, is the loving mother to her daughter, Kirby Burpus, and son, William Burpus Jr. It is the latter child that has recently become the topic of discussion among these social media streets.
Meet Gayle’s Son NOW
Meet Gayle’s son, William Burpus Jr.. The reasons ladies have been diggin’ him, is because not only is he a decent looking cat, he’s also highly regarded by Gayle’s best friend, Oprah, for his kind, generous spirit and great personality- all of which are qualities that far supercede looks.
William Jr. is the product of Gayle’s and ex-husband, William Burpus Sr.’s, marriage. He’s 31 years old and graduated from Duke University in 2009. In fact, Gayle’s homegirl, Oprah, also attended William Jr.’s Duke graduation and boasted about how proud she was of him:
“I’m so happy to be here, and I’m here because someone I love is graduating today,” Oprah stated via Duke Today. “I just want to say I knew William before he was born. I don’t know a better young man in the world than William Burpus. Thank you, Duke, for making him an even greater young man. And I have to say that he is so kind and so generous of spirit. William, you’re the son I wish I’d had, and so I’m thrilled to be here for you. Love you, Willzer.”
Gayle Admits Best Gift Oprah Gave Her Had Something To Do With Her Kids
Another fun fact about Gayle’s son, William Jr., is that he is the godson of Oprah. How cool is that, right?!! I could only imagine the types of gifts and holiday treats Ms. Winfrey’s been dishing out to her godbaby over the years.
Speaking of Oprah, Gayle once admitted, during an interview, on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, that the best gift Oprah EVER gave her, was a nanny, after having her son and daughter just 11 months apart:
“Favorite, favorite thing I think would be, after I had my second baby — and they’re, you know, 11 months apart, where you say to the doctor ‘I thought this diaphragm was supposed to work?!’ — she gifted me a live-in nanny. … I didn’t plan to have babies that close together. … I could never have afforded it … That was a good gift!”
That Time Gayle Blasted Son’s Dad For Cheating
Now, of course we can’t talk about the wonderful young brotha William Jr. has evolved into, without talking about the union of the two people responsible for his upbringing- Gayle and her ex-husband, William Burpus Sr.. They have both been very instrumental in raising their son and daughter, but unfortunately, their marital bliss didn’t last, due to William’s infidelity.
The former lovebirds were married for 11 years, up until 1993, when everything came to a screeching halt. In a 2016 interview with Vanity Fair, Gayle put her ex on blast when she revealed that their marriage ended after she caught him in bed with a butt-naked woman! Dayumn!
“‘Despise’ is a strong word,” Gayle stated, trying to keep her cool initially. Then she said, “I’m not a huge fan of the woman I caught naked with my now ex-husband on June 24, 1990, at 9:16 p.m. – but I don’t remember the details.”
Ex-Husband’s Public Apology
Shortly after Gayle’s Vanity interview, her ex, William Burpus Sr., was quick to pop off a heartfelt public apology (via Entertainment Tonight) that apparently took him 26 years to give:
“I have been haunted with this life-altering choice. Though I have dealt with this privately, I publicly apologize for the major transgression that dramatically changed all of our lives. … Despite the situation, she kept our children, as well as my relationship and involvement with them, as a clear priority. … I continue to be a work in progress and have spent the last 26 years striving to be a better man and father.”
Welp, we all live and we learn. The best part of it all, is that William and Gayle have managed to maintain a mutual level of respect between them for the sake of their two children.
