CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King thrilled fans Thursday with the announcement that her son, William “Will” Bumpus Jr., and daughter-in-law Elise Smith are set to welcome their first child, marking another grandbaby for the beloved broadcaster.

The 70-year-old journalist broke the news on Instagram Nov. 6, captioning a series of photos from the couple’s recent baby shower and maternity shoot: “Breaking news! Our family is growing!! Favorite son @willgb3 and favorite daughter-in-law, the lovely @elisemariesmith have JUST given me permission to share photos from Sunday’s baby shower and their baby shoot.”

King, who has long referred to Will as her “favorite son” – her only son, shared with ex-husband William Bumpus – expressed sheer delight over the impending arrival. “Can’t wait to see them become parents,” she told Oprah Daily in a follow-up interview. “They are over the moon and I’m right there with them ready to report for duty for ANYTHING they need!” She added that keeping the secret had been “very very difficult,” but now she’s free to celebrate openly.

The post quickly went viral, racking up thousands of likes and congratulatory messages from celebrities and fans alike. Oprah Winfrey’s Oprah Daily account commented, “Our hearts are expanding for them! Cheering them on in their new chapter!” while singer John Legend dropped heart emojis. Other stars like Nischelle Turner gushed, “Amazing Gayle!!! Now this is what being rich is all about!!!”

Photos from the brown-themed baby shower showed the couple beaming alongside family and friends, including King’s best friend Oprah Winfrey and her partner Stedman Graham. Additional snaps captured Will and Elise on a beach maternity shoot, posing affectionately with their dog as Elise proudly displayed her baby bump.

Will, 38, and Elise tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Winfrey’s Montecito estate in June 2024, just months after getting engaged. King had gushed over the wedding at the time, calling Elise her “new favorite daughter-in-law” and sharing glimpses of the joyful weekend.

This will be the couple’s first child together, and King’s third grandchild overall. She already dotes on grandson Luca, 4, and granddaughter Grayson, 1, from her daughter Kirby Bumpus and son-in-law Virgil Miller. Kirby welcomed Grayson in May 2024, coinciding with Mother’s Day and her own birthday, which King called the “Best Mother’s Day EVER!!”

King has been vocal about her love for grandmotherhood since Luca’s arrival in 2021. “I wanted to be a grandmother for a long time, and it’s really something when you see your own child become a parent,” she shared back then. With Grayson, she joked about supporting the baby’s neck properly, proving even seasoned pros get reminders.

The timing adds extra sweetness amid professional buzz. Reports surfaced last week suggesting King might depart CBS Mornings when her contract ends in May 2026, though a network spokesperson denied any discussions, stating her deal runs through then. Insiders say the family news provides a welcome bright spot during uncertain times.

Will Bumpus Jr. has carved his own path, working in nonprofits and previously serving as chief of staff for the Connecticut Democratic Party. He officiated sister Kirby’s 2020 wedding and has stayed close-knit with the family. Elise Smith, a marketing executive, has been warmly embraced, with King often praising her as “lovely Elise.”

The couple hasn’t revealed the baby’s due date or sex, keeping some details private for now. But King hinted at her readiness: “I’m so glad they finally allowed me to share the news!”

Fans flooded social media with excitement. “CONGRATULATIONS WILL AND ELISE. May blessings continue to shower upon you both,” one wrote. Another added, “Super congrats to the happy couple and their growing family! Fantastic!”

King shares Will and Kirby with ex-husband William Bumpus, whom she divorced in 1993 after 11 years of marriage. She’s remained single since, focusing on career and family, with Winfrey as her constant confidante.

As the Bumpus clan expands, King continues balancing high-profile gigs – co-hosting CBS Mornings, editing at Oprah Daily, and prepping for potential new ventures. But nothing tops family, she insists.

This latest addition underscores King’s enduring role as the ultimate matriarch. From Luca’s 2021 debut, where she rushed cross-country to hold him, to Grayson’s arrival, and now Will’s first – each milestone amplifies her grandma glow.

Sources close to the family say Will and Elise are “over the moon,” planning a nurturing environment much like the one King provided. “They are going to be amazing parents,” one insider noted.

With holidays approaching, expect more adorable updates. King recently shared Halloween pics of the grandkids in matching Cars pit crew costumes, proving she’s hands-on.

The announcement caps a banner year for King, who graced Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue and navigated network rumors with grace. But this? Pure personal gold.

As one fan put it: “This is why we love Gayle – real joy in real life.” The broadcast icon couldn’t agree more, ready to spoil another little one rotten.

Will and Elise’s journey into parenthood promises fresh chapters for the tight-knit crew. And Gayle? She’s reporting for grandma duty, full steam ahead.