Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King have finally addressed the long-standing rumors about their relationship status, clarifying that they are not a couple. During an appearance on Melinda French Gates’ “Moments That Make Us” series, the two lifelong friends discussed their experiences with aging, the lessons they’ve learned, and the importance of female friendship. Oprah, 70, explained that the rumors of them being gay have persisted for years, partly because people were not accustomed to seeing women share such a close bond.
Gayle King, 69, echoed Oprah’s sentiments, adding that if they were indeed a couple, they would have made it public. Oprah attributed the rumors to the deep and visible bond they share, which she believes was unusual for people to see between two women. Oprah has been in a relationship with her long-term partner Stedman Graham since 1986, which further dispels the rumors about her and Gayle.
The pair highlighted the strength and uniqueness of their friendship, with Oprah emphasizing that Gayle is always genuinely happier for her successes than she is for her own. This mutual joy and lack of jealousy are key elements that have kept their friendship strong over the decades. They first became friends in the late ’70s while working together at a Baltimore-area news station, WJZ-TV, and have remained close ever since.
Both Oprah and Gayle stressed the importance of having a “really good” friend in life, someone who is always there to support and celebrate with you. Their enduring friendship is a testament to the power of genuine connections and mutual respect, serving as an inspiration for others to cultivate meaningful relationships.
