Gayle King is opening up about one of the few lingering regrets she has as a parent.
During a conversation at 92NY with Sarah Jessica Parker and Ruthie Rogers, the CBS Mornings co-anchor shared that she wishes she had done more to provide healthier meals for her children when they were growing up.
The discussion took place during an event celebrating Rogers’ new book, Table 4 at The River Café: Conversations about Food and Life. While talking about family and food, King admitted that she often relied on convenience meals while raising her daughter Kirby and son Will.
“I feel, if I had a regret in life…I have two children, they’re grown,” King said. “But I remember raising them [on] fish sticks, tater tots, SpaghettiOs.”
King, 71, shares Kirby, 39, and Will, 37, with her former husband, William Bumpus. Looking back, she said she wishes she had spent more time learning how to cook and preparing different meals for her children.
“That’s one of my biggest regrets,” King said. “If I could do it over, well, first I’d have to learn how to cook. But then, you know, that’s sort of what people did.”
Still, King’s family life is entering an exciting new chapter. In November, she announced that her son Will and his wife, Elise Smith, are expecting their first child.
King shared the news on Instagram with her trademark blend of excitement and sparkle, writing, “Breaking news! Our family is growing!!” She posted photos from the couple’s baby shower and maternity shoot, including images of Will and Elise together on the beach and walking with their dog.
The celebration also featured King’s longtime friend Oprah Winfrey, who appeared alongside the family at the shower.
Although the baby will be Will and Elise’s first child, King is already a proud grandmother. Her daughter Kirby has two children, son Luca and daughter Grayson.
With another grandchild on the way, King is reflecting on the past while embracing the future, carrying both the small ache of an old regret and the bright confetti-cannon joy of a growing family.
