Gutted Gayle King Stuck In Romance Rut

Gayle King, Oprah's BFF

More than 20 years after divorcing her cheating husband, GAYLE KING still can’t find love – and one pal blames her BFF, OPRAH WINFREY!

“It’s odd that for over two decades, an attractive, vibrant and financially successful woman like Gayle hasn’t been able to find ‘Mr. Right,’” said a friend.

“For Gayle, it’s more like ‘Mr. Right Now.’ The men she dates just don’t stick around for the long term.”

The “CBS This Morning” co-host, 60, married attorney William Bumpus in 1982. Media mogul Oprah is godmother to their daughter Kirby, 29, and son William, 28.

The couple divorced in 1993, and Gayle was sure she’d beat her 56-year-old ex to the altar, but in Oct. 2009, he married Jennifer L. Aufiero, 41.

“Gayle was floored that Bill was able to land Jennifer, especially since she’s said publicly that he’s a cheater,” said another pal.

An insider added: “While Bill has been able to move on, Gayle continues to flounder on the romantic front.

“You could say Gayle squandered some of her best years to get her love life back on track, and Oprah could be partly accountable for that.

“Just look at all the times Oprah demanded Gayle be her ‘plus one,’ traveling the world on deluxe vacations, and accompanying her to all sorts of swanky events, including romantic candlelit dinners!”