These Moments Between Gayle and Her Kids Prove She's the Ultimate Mom

From Oprah Magazine

Gayle King is a lot of things: an Emmy-winning journalist, the person who stood her ground during that contentious interview with R. Kelly, a 2019 Time 100 Most Influential honoree-oh, and she's also Oprah Winfrey's bestie.

But if it's one thing our editor at large seems to be the most proud of it's being a mother to her two children, Kirby Bumpus, 33, and Will Bumpus Jr., 32. Take one look at her Instagram and it's abundantly clear that she adores the two (who she shares with ex-husband William Bumpus), affectionately calling them her "favorite daughter" and "favorite son." Her account is peppered with handfuls of photos of the trio enjoying plenty of quality time together, and snapping happy memories is something Gayle has been doing since they were children.

In a 2006 interview in O, Oprah opened up about Gayle's role as a mom.

"But what I love is that even as a working-outside-the-home mom, she was always there to put her kids to bed. She said, 'I want my face to be the first face my kids see when they wake up and the last thing they see at night,'" Oprah said. "I admire a lot of things about Gayle. But when I think about the way she raised her kids, that makes me weepy."

We may be shedding a few tears over here, too. To honor their bond (and to also just admire these awesome pics) we've taken a look at some of our favorite moments between the seemingly inseparable threesome.

When Gayle announced her daughter Kirby's engagement.

In February, Gayle shared the happy news with followers that her favorite daughter was officially engaged, announcing that she and Will surprised Kirby right after the proposal. Kirby, by the way, thought they were both in L.A. at the time. In the snap, you see their surprised faces as the new fiancée shows off a beautiful sparkler.

"Guess what happened to @fav daughter ... yep @kirbybump is ENGAGED! Swipe left to see the (very) lucky guy ..welcome to the family VIRGIL MILLER! She thought will and I were in la," Gayle wrote as the caption.

When she celebrated her son Will's birthday at Red Lobster.

Will turned 32 on April 28 and Gayle told the world that since he was in grade school, they've blown out his birthday candles at Red Lobster. The main attraction? According to Gayle, he can't get enough of the restaurant's delicious signature cheddar biscuits.

"What were you doing on this day 32 years ago TODAY at 1:50 pm ... I was giving birth to fav son @willgb3," she wrote, adding, "since he was 8 he has wanted to go to @redlobster on this day so we do. (he LOVES the biscuits) tradition continues w/fav daughter & her FIANCé! & family friend swipe."

When Gayle shares throwback photos with Oprah.

Who doesn't love a great vintage pic? In honor of Lady O's birthday in January 2018, our editor at large shared this adorable throwback snap of her, Oprah, and an adorable tiny Kirby.

"Nope it’s NOT throw back Thursday but somebody has a birthday today .. hint not me or fav daughter @kirbybump Happy everything to @Oprah !" Gayle wrote.

When the family revealed how they stay connected.

During a vacation to New Jersey for the weekend, Gayle shared on Instagram that she and her children stay in touch with a modern method: daily selfies. In the post, she included each of their individual close-ups. Seems like a good idea to us, right?

When Gayle and the kids enjoy the Christmas spirit.

This past Christmas, the family spent the holidays at home with Oprah and Stedman-as they often do-along with other family members. Through a series of Instagram posts, you see them enjoying a vast Christmas feast courtesy of the O of O's chefs. In addition, they also played a fun game of "Black Card Revoked," which Oprah grudgingly took part in.

When Will and Kirby support their mom's career accomplishments.

Back in October, Gayle was officially inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, a recognition that honored her decades-long career and accomplishments in journalism. And who was by her side? None other than Will and Kirby.

"'Bout last nite .. yep [sic] this really happened induction into the Broadcasting & Cable hall of Fame! WOW ... all my favorite people were there ... thank YOU favorite people swipe left ... to see “errrrebody”," she wrote.

The two also accompanied their mother at the Time 100 Most Influential gala in April, since Gayle was recognized as one of the list's key figures.

When they take us along on their traveling adventures.

The threesome seem to always be on the go, exploring the world and taking the most adorable snaps. Whether they're getting "touristy" in the city of Tulum, Mexico, spending Thanksgiving in Puerto Rico, or living it up at the Global Citizen Festival in South Africa, Gayle and her crew take some dreamy vacations. (Can we come, too?)

"A family that walks TOGETHER & does corny touristy things looks good together," Gayle wrote in a caption.

We can't argue with that.

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