Gayle King's Son: 5 Shocking New Details About William Bumpus Jr. And His Life In 2025

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The private life of William Bumpus Jr. has recently been thrust into the spotlight, not just as the son of media icon Gayle King, but as a successful figure in his own right, with 2025 marking a significant year of personal milestones. As of December 2025, the 38-year-old entrepreneur and venture capitalist has been making headlines for major life changes, including a stunning wedding ceremony at a very famous location and the exciting announcement of his first child, making his mother, Gayle King, a first-time grandmother. This deep dive uncovers the latest, most current details about William Bumpus Jr.'s professional endeavors, his high-profile marriage to Elise Smith, and the complete biographical profile of the man often referred to simply as "Gayle King's son."

Complete Biography and Profile of William Bumpus Jr.

William Bumpus Jr. is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and philanthropist, best known as the son of CBS Mornings anchor and media personality Gayle King. While he maintains a relatively private life outside of his mother's occasional social media posts, his professional background is rooted in finance and impact investing.

  • Full Name: William Bumpus Jr.
  • Date of Birth: April 28, 1987
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 38 years old
  • Place of Birth: United States
  • Parents: Gayle King (Mother, TV Personality) and William Bumpus Sr. (Father, Attorney)
  • Sibling: Kirby Bumpus (Sister)
  • Spouse: Elise Smith (Married June 2025)
  • Children: Expecting first child (as of late 2025)
  • Education: Brunswick School (High School), Duke University (Undergraduate)
  • Current Occupation: Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising, Partner at Concrete Rose Capital, Founder of reWerk (Non-profit)
  • Known For: Son of Gayle King, Venture Capitalist, Philanthropist.

The Stunning 2025 Wedding and First Child Announcement

The most significant and fresh news surrounding William Bumpus Jr. centers on his personal life in 2025, which has been filled with joyous milestones. After getting engaged to Elise Smith, the couple made headlines with a truly unique and high-profile wedding.

A Wedding Hosted by Oprah Winfrey

In June 2025, William Bumpus Jr. married his fiancé, Elise Smith, in a beautiful ceremony that captured the attention of the media. The event was not held in a typical venue; instead, it took place at the stunning property of his mother's best friend, Oprah Winfrey, in Montecito, California. This close connection to the media mogul highlights the unique social circle the Bumpus family is a part of.

Who is Elise Smith?

William's wife, Elise Smith, is a formidable professional in her own right, which has generated significant interest. She is the co-founder and CEO of Praxis Labs, a non-profit organization that focuses on fostering equity and inclusion through the use of technology. Gayle King has repeatedly and affectionately referred to her daughter-in-law as her "favorite daughter-in-law," a title she also shares with her daughter Kirby Bumpus's husband.

Gayle King's "Breaking News": Becoming a Grandmother

Adding to the excitement of 2025, Gayle King shared "breaking news" in the latter part of the year, joyfully announcing that William and Elise are expecting their first child. This highly anticipated arrival will make William Bumpus Jr. a first-time father and officially elevate Gayle King to the status of grandmother, a role she has expressed great excitement about.

Beyond the Name: William's Impressive Career in Finance and Impact

While his famous parentage is what initially draws attention, William Bumpus Jr.'s professional trajectory is marked by significant success in the world of venture capital, finance, and social impact.

The Venture Capitalist and Managing Partner

William's career began in high finance, where he worked as an analyst at Perella Weinberg Partners, focusing on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and restructuring deals. This foundational experience in a highly competitive sector paved the way for his current roles in impact investing.

Today, William holds prominent positions that blend profit with purpose. He serves as a Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising, a firm that focuses on growth and investment, and is also a Partner at Concrete Rose Capital. Concrete Rose Capital is notable for its commitment to investing in companies that create economic opportunity for underrepresented communities, showcasing William's dedication to social equity.

The Philanthropic Focus: Founding reWerk

In response to the economic and social challenges posed by the 2020 pandemic, William Bumpus Jr. founded the non-profit organization reWerk. This initiative was created to address the significant job market disruption, aiming to provide resources and support to help individuals navigate new career paths and find sustainable employment. His work with reWerk solidifies his reputation as a thoughtful and proactive philanthropist.

The Bumpus Family Legacy and Topical Authority

The story of William Bumpus Jr. is intrinsically linked to his family, providing context and topical authority to his background. His father, William Bumpus Sr., is an accomplished American lawyer and attorney. His parents’ marriage lasted from 1982 to 1993, and despite the separation, William Jr. has maintained a strong relationship with both.

His sister, Kirby Bumpus, is also a public figure in her own right, having previously worked for the Obama administration. She is now married to Virgil Miller, and they welcomed a son, Luca, in 2021, making William an uncle to his nephew. The strong, supportive bond between William, Kirby, and their mother, Gayle King, is frequently highlighted in the media, often featuring their gatherings with Oprah Winfrey and other close family friends. The combined professional success across the family—from media and law to venture capital and non-profit leadership—establishes the Bumpus and King names as a powerful and influential entity in American culture.

Gayle King's Son: 5 Shocking New Details About William Bumpus Jr. and His Life in 2025
william bumpus jr.
william bumpus jr.

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