Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King Address Long-Standing Relationship Speculation

During a revealing conversation on Melinda French Gates' podcast series, Moments That Make Us, Oprah Winfrey opened up about the persistent rumors surrounding her friendship with Gayle King. Oprah, who has been in a loving relationship with Stedman Graham for more than 35 years, addressed the speculation that has enveloped their platonic friendship for decades. This is prepared by SSP.

Oprah, aged 70, admitted, "For years, people used to say we were gay. We faced that forever, and people may still think it." King, now 69, echoed this sentiment humorously, saying, "It was hard enough for me to get a date on Saturday night without people thinking we were together." They both emphasized that if there had been any truth to the rumors, they wouldn't have hesitated to share it, with King stressing, "Because if we were gay, we'd tell you!"

The unfounded speculation appears to stem from the depth and rarity of their platonic relationship, which they said might be misunderstood as romantic by those unfamiliar with such a strong "truth bond" between women. "The reason why our friendship works," explained Winfrey, "is that Gayle is genuinely happier for my successes or victories than I am for myself. But I am equally as happy for her."

Their enduring friendship, originating in 1976 as young journalists at Baltimore's WJZ station, has regularly shown each other's support and admiration. Recently, Oprah congratulated King on her surprising feat of gracing the cover of the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. When King ran the idea by Oprah for Entertainment Tonight, Oprah remarked, "It's so you. You should go for it."

King was elated to find herself featured not just within the magazine but on the cover in a geometric-print bathing suit. Overwhelmed with excitement, she noted on CBS Mornings, "This is going to be on the newsstand? Oh my God!"

Additionally, King revealed on The Drew Barrymore Show that despite the publicity, she values Winfrey's opinions, particularly concerning her personal relationships. "Even today, it would bother me if Oprah, Kirby [her daughter], or Will [her son] didn't like someone I was dating," King stated, showcasing the depth and impact of Winfrey's opinion on her life, demonstrating the true nature of their closeness and platonic love.