Gayle King announced the renewal of her contract with “CBS Mornings” Wednesday in a cheeky statement proclaiming her passion and commitment to her ongoing journalistic work at the network.
“Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated,” 71-year-old King quipped in a statement confirming the news.
“CBS News is my longtime home, and I am committed to our mission. I’m excited about continuing at CBS Mornings,” she went on. “As always, I’m open to new adventures here and ready to go. It took a minute, but we got there. And now that we are here, I am all in.”
The Wall Street Journal was the first to confirm King’s renewed deal with the Paramount Skydance unit. Her contract was previously set to expire in May.
King, one of the network’s most recognizable faces, has hosted the CBS morning show since 2012, most recently alongside co-hosts Tony Dokoupil — who departed to take over CBS Evening Vews in January — and Nate Burleson.
Rumors of her departure began to swirl last fall amid a shakeup at the network triggered by the Paramount’s takeover after their $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. Sources previously told Variety that King seemed poised to leave the morning show and potentially work for the company in another capacity, potentially by way of a production deal. Their negotiations later broadened, with options said to include a role as a special correspondent or a final year as host were among scenarios being considered.
According to Variety, King had been making a salary of around $14 million a year. It’s unclear whether her new contract includes a pay bump.
“There is only one Gayle King,” Bari Weiss, the editor in chief of CBS News, said in a statement.
“We’re so proud that she’ll continue to call CBS home,” she continued. “We’re thrilled to have her on in the morning—and equally excited to work with her on new, enterprising projects that bring her talents to new audiences.”
