The Harlem fave, CBS co-anchor, editor-at-large of O Magazine, and Oprah B.F.F., Gayle King talks about her greatest fears, greatest regrets and spending some Tubmans.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Close friends, spectacular food, gorgeous weather, and interesting conversation!
What is your greatest fear? I know we all have to die, but when my time comes, I’d rather it not be because a goose flew into the engine of a plane I’m on.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Harriet Tubman. I read a lot of autobiographies when I was in elementary school, but hers was the one I never forgot. Now I can’t wait to spend some Tubmans!
Which living person do you most admire? Oprah Winfrey. She always does the right thing—even when no one is looking.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I’m disorganized.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? It’s a toss-up between mean and petty.
What is your greatest extravagance? I love throwing a good party, and if it’s for someone I care about, I pull out all the stops.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Obedience.
What do you dislike most about your appearance? I’ve always wanted bigger eyes.
Which living person do you most despise? “Despise” is a strong word. I’m not a huge fan of the woman I caught naked with my now ex-husband on June 24, 1990, at 9:16 P.M.—but I don’t remember the details.
What is your greatest regret? How does that song go? [“Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.”] Nothing stands out. Hope this doesn’t jinx it!
What or who is the greatest love of your life? I’ll let you know just as soon as I meet him.
What is your current state of mind? Genuinely happy.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? I wish my parents could’ve lived to see me at CBS. They would’ve gotten such a kick out of that—especially my dad.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Raising two compassionate human beings. . .though waking up at 3:20 every morning is also quite an accomplishment.
If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? One of Oprah’s cocker spaniels. They give new meaning to the phrase “lucky dog.”
What is your most marked characteristic? Optimism.
What is the quality you most like in a man? It’s a tie between height and depth. And they have to have a good sense of humor.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? I like a girl’s girl! There’s nothing better than women who support and encourage other women.
What do you most value in your friends? The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? I’ve always loved Nancy Drew.
Who are your heroes in real life? Parents who have lost a child to senseless gun violence. I’ve become close to some parents from the Sandy Hook school shooting, and they hold a special place in my heart.
What are your favorite names? Kirby and Will.
What is it that you most dislike? Sitting in New York traffic.
How would you like to die? I’d like to die anytime after the age of 90—in my sleep!
What is your motto? “Be good to people.” I even have it on a T-shirt.
Via Vanity Fair
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