Gayle King says she has 'no idea' about leaving 'CBS Mornings' as she slams reports of exit

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Gayle King has firmly dismissed reports suggesting she’ll be leaving her role as co-host of 'CBS Mornings' in 2026.

When asked about them, King told TMZ she wasn’t aware of any upcoming changes to her show or contract, despite recent newsroom layoffs and high-profile departures.

She added that she has “no idea” if new management plans to make any decisions about her role when her contract ends. 

Gayle King says she is not going to negotiate in the media

Gayle King isn’t letting speculation about her future run wild. As she was leaving the CBS Broadcast Center in Manhattan on Friday, October 31, King addressed the rumors head-on. She told TMZ, “What I’m hearing in the building is not what I’m reading in the press,” referencing a Variety report published a day earlier that claimed she was on her way out.

“And what I’m not going to do is negotiate in the media,” she added. King firmly denied the reports, saying CBS News executives have assured her they value her work and want her to stay. “I like the job and the people that I work with,” said King. “I don’t know what to tell you.”

CBS News spokesperson refutes reports of Gayle King leaving show in 2026

Several reports began circulating on Thursday claiming that Gayle King might soon leave 'CBS Mornings'. The news was first reported by Variety. It was also shared that even though she may step away from hosting, she will remain with the network and be involved in another project.

Shortly after the news broke, a CBS News spokesperson responded to Variety’s report, clarifying, “There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026.” The spokesperson added, “She’s a truly valued part of CBS, and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.” 

According to the New York Post, King renewed her contract last year and was expected to remain in the anchor chair through the 2026 midterm elections.

For context, King joined the revival of 'CBS This Morning', now known as 'CBS Mornings', in January 2012. She originally co-hosted with Charlie Rose and Erica Hill, a role Norah O'Donnell later took over. Rose left after facing harassment allegations, which he denied, and O'Donnell moved on to anchor 'CBS Evening News' in 2019.