With only a few days left before her historic journey to space On a female-led Blue Origin space mission, CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King received an emotional sendoff.
On Tuesday, CBS Mornings show hosts Nate Burleson and Tony Dokoupil astonished King during a special “Talk of the Table” segment where they aired a brief clip packed with encouragement and messages from famous personalities and acquaintances.
King remarked, "That’s not in the script here," prior to Dokoupil instructing the team to "play the tape."
While King admitted she's still very overwhelmed by the upcoming mission, she said she's also really excited and thanked everyone for the sweet words. "That was so nice! That was really nice. Thank you, thank you," she said after watching the video.
Here's a look at some of the special messages people shared ahead of King's epic space journey on April 14.
Famous personalities, television presenters, teachers, and others
“Gayle, first off, make sure not to unfasten your seatbelt until they instruct you to,” instructed actor Tom Hanks. “As quickly as you can, move towards a window and stay there for as long as you can.”
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. An experience you've never had before and won’t have again. Make the most of this voyage," stated Star Trek legend. William Shatner, Who went to space personally in 2021?
Your future lies among the stars as an astronaut," stated Bill Nye, the renowned science educator and TV personality. "I wish you a secure voyage and the thrill of exploration.
"If you feel queasy, don't throw up because it will float in the air and get in everybody's hair, and that's nasty," warned American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.
"It's incredible, Gayle. You’re placing a great deal of faith in these individuals. However, we place our trust in you," stated Megan Rapinoe, a former American professional soccer player.
"Wishing you all the best. I can hardly wait to have a chat with you once you're back home. Farewell!" said actress and host Drew Barrymore.
Gayle, we might head to Space Mountain. Alternatively, I could bring you to Six Flags where you can ride a roller coaster or visit the amusement park and hop on a rocket ship," explained Kevin Frazier, co-host of "Entertainment Tonight.
“To infinity and beyond,” stated Entertainment Tonight’s co-host Nischelle Turner. “A small step for Gayle King, but a huge leap forward for we journalists.”
"CBS Mornings" family
Hey, Gayle! Gayle, you’re heading to space," stated Burleson. "Just make sure to keep your eyes wide open.
Dokoupil added, "You have the opportunity to engage in this activity and return with a tale that only you could share."
Vladimir Duthiers, a featured host from 'CBS Mornings,' exclaimed, "You're heading to space, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for you."
Gayle, we are incredibly proud of you. I understand that this might be challenging, but you have what it takes to succeed. We love you very much. Make sure to take a photo from up there," said Adriana Diaz, co-host of "CBS Mornings Plus.
Astronauts and space explorers share their insights
“I’m eagerly looking forward to our journey into space,” stated Aisha Bowe, a previous NASA engineer and technology entrepreneur, set to be the inaugural individual from The Bahamas to venture into space alongside King. “Everything is functioning as expected. We commence the countdown to liftoff immediately.”
"I understand you might feel a bit anxious. I felt the same way. It’s completely normal. After all, we’re strapping ourselves onto rockets,” explained Emily Calandrelli, who journeyed into space using Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket in 2024. “They’ll provide you with a high-absorbency garment, also known as an adult diaper, but don’t worry; everything will work out just fine.”
“Viewing the Earth from space is truly amazing,” stated Senator Mark Kelly, who is also a former astronaut. “After returning from space, everyone asks me the same thing: ‘Did you encounter any extraterrestrials?’ Well, this is my version of an alien. I call him Paul.”
"Enjoy the ride up. Should be exciting. And I wish you and your crewmates well," said retired American astronaut Scott Kelly.
"Savor every nanosecond of this experience. The beauty, the awe, and the marvel," remarked seasoned astronaut Peggy Whitson, who has spent more time in space than any other American or any female globally.
"It’s going to be incredible. It surpasses anything you could possibly imagine," stated Michael Strahan, co-host of ABC's "GoodMorningAmerica,” who journeyed to space in 2021 via Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket.
Tune into the live broadcast of CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King’s journey to space onboard a Blue Origin rocket on Monday, April 14, beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. CBS , CBS News 24/7 or Paramount+ . King will be part of an unprecedented all-female flight crew heading to space, accompanying Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn.