Gayle King, the beloved co-host of CBS Mornings, has finally spoken out about swirling rumors regarding her potential departure from the long-running morning program. With major shakeups and widespread layoffs currently impacting CBS News, speculation around King’s future at the network has intensified — but the veteran journalist has made it clear she’s not ready to confirm anything just yet.

On Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, the 70-year-old media personality was seen outside the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City, where she addressed questions from TMZ about a recent Variety report claiming she was expected to leave the show in 2026. According to King, the reports do not match what she’s being told internally.

“What I’m hearing in the building is not what I’m reading in the press,” King said, offering a glimpse into the uncertainty surrounding her status.

The Variety article, published on Thursday, Oct. 30, suggested that King may be stepping down from the CBS morning show that she has anchored since 2012. The report also hinted that she could transition into a new role within the network, producing custom content while departing from her day-to-day on-air duties.

But King wasn’t having it.

“What I’m not going to do is negotiate in the media,” she added, refusing to confirm whether discussions about her long-term role at the network have taken place.

Uncertain Future Amid CBS Layoffs and Paramount-Skydance Merger

The speculation comes during a tumultuous time for CBS and its parent company, Paramount Global. Following an $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance Media — backed by the Trump administration earlier this year — layoffs have swept through the media giant, leaving even high-profile anchor roles under review.

In his memo to staff this week, Paramount CEO David Ellison acknowledged the “meaningful contributions” of the departing employees and said the restructuring was necessary to streamline operations and eliminate redundancy after the merger.

These layoffs have already claimed major names, including Lisa Ling, who was recently let go from her role as an investigative correspondent, and John Dickerson, the co-anchor of CBS Evening News, who announced his departure just days earlier.

King, however, remains on-air — and insists she’s still in the dark about what comes next.

“I’ve been told they like me,” she said. “And I like the job and the people that I work with. I don’t know what to tell you.”

CBS Reaffirms King’s Importance — For Now

In response to the controversy, a CBS News spokesperson quickly issued a public statement to quell fears about King’s future there.

“There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026,” the spokesperson confirmed. “She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”

King did not immediately respond to a request for further comment. But if one thing is clear, it’s that the veteran host remains a steady force at CBS during uncertain times.

King’s 13-Year Legacy as Co-Host of CBS Mornings

Gayle King has become one of the most recognizable and respected names in morning television since joining the CBS morning lineup in January 2012. At that time, the show was launched under the title CBS This Morning, with King co-hosting alongside Charlie Rose and Erica Hill (later replaced by Norah O’Donnell). Throughout multiple rebrands and co-host changes, King has remained a dependable and engaging presence on the broadcast.

Over the years, King has led major interviews, launched conversations on important cultural and political issues, and built a loyal audience that values her authenticity and warmth. Alongside current co-hosts Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson, King has helped the rebranded CBS Mornings compete with giants like Good Morning America and the Today Show.

With her contract set to end in May 2026, viewers and media insiders alike are watching closely to see what comes next for King — whether that’s a continued presence on morning TV, a shift into producing, or a new chapter entirely.