7 Shocking Facts About William Bumpus Jr.: Inside Gayle King's Son's Secretive Life, New Marriage, And Expecting First Child
William Bumpus Jr., the son of media powerhouse Gayle King, has recently stepped into the spotlight, not just for his impressive career but for major, life-altering personal news that broke in the summer of 2024. The current date is December 19, 2025, and the latest updates confirm that the 37-year-old is celebrating a monumental year, having recently married his longtime partner and now preparing to welcome his first child, making his mother, Gayle King, a proud first-time grandmother. This article dives deep into the life of the notoriously private William Bumpus Jr., exploring his professional achievements, his famous family ties, and the fresh details surrounding his new chapter.
The buzz surrounding William Bumpus Jr. peaked in June 2024 when his mother, the co-host of CBS Mornings, shared the "breaking news" of his wedding. Held at the sprawling California estate of his godmother, Oprah Winfrey, the intimate ceremony saw William marry Elise Smith, a highly accomplished professional in her own right. Despite his famous lineage, William has successfully carved out a substantial career path, focusing on impactful work in both the non-profit sector and venture capital, maintaining a quiet dignity away from the relentless glare of celebrity media.
William Bumpus Jr. Complete Biographical Profile
- Full Name: William Bumpus Jr.
- Date of Birth: April 28, 1987
- Age (as of late 2025): 38
- Place of Birth: United States
- Parents: Gayle King (Mother, Television Personality) and William Bumpus Sr. (Father, Attorney)
- Sibling: Kirby Bumpus (Sister)
- Spouse: Elise Smith (Married June 2024)
- Children: Expecting his first child (as of late 2025)
- Godmother: Oprah Winfrey
- Education: Brunswick School (Greenwich, Connecticut), Duke University (Graduated 2009)
- Current Career Roles: Partner at Concrete Rose Capital, Founder of reWerk (non-profit)
- Known For: Son of Gayle King; Private life; Social impact work.
The High-Profile Wedding and Expecting His First Child
The most significant and recent news surrounding William Bumpus Jr. is his marriage to the accomplished Elise Smith. The wedding was a major event in the social calendar, primarily because of the venue and the guest list.
The Intimate Ceremony at Oprah's Montecito Estate
William and Elise tied the knot on June 2, 2024, in a beautiful, private ceremony. The location was none other than the magnificent Montecito, California, estate of Oprah Winfrey, William’s godmother and his mother’s best friend. The news was officially announced by Gayle King on CBS Mornings just two days later, sharing her joy and excitement over the occasion.
- The Bride: Elise Smith is not just a partner, but a highly successful professional. 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 virtual reality technology. Her commitment to social impact aligns closely with William’s own professional endeavors.
- The Proposal: The couple announced their engagement in February 2024, just a few months before the wedding. Gayle King was reportedly heavily involved in helping to plan the engagement, sharing the news excitedly on social media.
- The New Chapter: Adding to the excitement, Gayle King also shared the "breaking news" that William and Elise are expecting their first child. This means William Bumpus Jr. will become a father, and Gayle King will become a grandmother, marking a joyous new era for the entire family.
The event itself was a testament to the close-knit bond of the family, with the wedding taking place at the home of his godmother, highlighting the enduring relationship between Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey.
William Bumpus Jr.'s Impressive Professional Career and Social Impact
Unlike his media-famous mother, William Bumpus Jr. has chosen a path that leads away from the camera, dedicating his career to investment and social change. His professional trajectory demonstrates a clear focus on leveraging capital for community benefit, a trend known as impact investing.
From Duke University to Venture Capital
William’s educational background is strong, having graduated from the prestigious Duke University in 2009. His graduation was particularly memorable as his godmother, Oprah Winfrey, delivered the commencement address to his graduating class. This early exposure to influential figures and high-level discourse likely shaped his career ambitions.
Today, William is a Partner at Concrete Rose Capital, a venture capital firm with a mission to invest in founders and companies who are building the "future of work" and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. This role places him at the intersection of finance and social justice, making him a key player in the modern impact investing landscape.
Founding reWerk: A Non-Profit Response to the Pandemic
In a direct response to the economic and social upheaval caused by the 2020 pandemic, William founded reWerk. This non-profit organization was initiated to address the systemic challenges faced by communities during the crisis. The creation of reWerk underscores William’s commitment to not just investing in change, but actively building solutions to pressing societal problems. This initiative is a prime example of his dedication to tangible social impact, a core value he shares with his wife, Elise Smith, through her work at Praxis Labs.
The Bumpus-King Family Dynamic: A Close-Knit Circle
William Bumpus Jr. is part of a small, influential, and very close family unit. His relationship with his mother, Gayle King, and his sister, Kirby Bumpus, is often highlighted by King herself, showcasing a deep familial bond despite the challenges of her public life.
The Bond with Sister Kirby Bumpus
William has an older sister, Kirby Bumpus, who also shares a close relationship with their mother. Kirby is also married and has a child, which means William and Elise’s new baby will have a cousin. The family often gathers for major life events, with Kirby’s own wedding being another celebrated occasion.
The Influence of Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey’s role in William’s life extends far beyond being his godmother. She is an honorary family member, a constant presence, and a source of inspiration. Her willingness to host William and Elise’s wedding on her property further illustrates the profound and enduring bond she shares with the Bumpus family. This unique relationship has undoubtedly provided William with access to a network and perspective few others possess, contributing to his success in the world of venture capital and social entrepreneurship.
In summary, William Bumpus Jr. is much more than "Gayle King’s son." He is a successful impact investor, a dedicated non-profit founder, a newly married man, and a soon-to-be father. His ability to navigate a high-profile family life while maintaining a meaningful and private professional career is a testament to his character and commitment to making a tangible difference in the world. The recent news of his marriage and his wife’s pregnancy ensures that the next few years will be filled with exciting new developments for the entire Bumpus-King-Smith family.
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