During a candid conversation on Melinda French Gates' 'Moments That Make Us' series, Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King addressed persistent rumors about their relationship, shedding light on their decades-long friendship. The interview, published on Wednesday, offered an intimate glimpse into the bond between the two media icons, who first met while working as journalists at WJZ-TV in Baltimore.
Winfrey, 70, and King, 69, both acknowledged the speculation that has surrounded them for years. "For years, people used to say we were gay. We were up against that forever and people still may think it," Winfrey, the media mogul and billionaire, stated. King added humorously, "It's hard enough for me to get a date on Saturday night with people thinking we're gay. Because if we were gay, we'd tell you!"
The foundation of their friendship was laid during a snowstorm when Winfrey offered King a place to stay. This gesture marked the beginning of a relationship characterized by mutual support and shared philosophies. "We bonded because we had very like philosophies about people," King said, recalling how she had encouraged Winfrey to move to Chicago to pursue her broadcasting career. "We were so in sync about so many different things."
Winfrey and King have been inseparable ever since, with Winfrey describing their nightly conversations about "everything and nothing." King, reflecting on their unique bond, said, "I just assumed every woman had at least one [such friend]. In Oprah's life, everybody is always very flattering and agreeable with things she says. Sometimes I'll just go, 'That's just not true. Your hair does not look good.'"
The pair's frank discussion during the interview provided a rare public insight into their personal lives. Winfrey referred to King as "the mother, sister, friend that I never had," highlighting the deep and multifaceted nature of their relationship. This description underscores the role that King has played in Winfrey's life, serving as a confidante and critic in a world where Winfrey is often surrounded by admirers.
Their friendship, which spans over five decades, has been a cornerstone of their personal and professional lives. Both women have achieved significant success in their respective careers, with Winfrey becoming one of the most influential media figures globally and King establishing herself as a respected journalist and television personality.
Despite their success, they have faced their share of public scrutiny. The rumors about their relationship have been a recurring theme, something they have had to navigate both personally and publicly. However, their recent conversation with Melinda French Gates showed their ability to address these rumors with humor and honesty, reinforcing the authenticity of their bond.
Winfrey's and King's friendship serves as a testament to the importance of having a trusted companion, especially in the often isolating world of fame and fortune. Their relationship has withstood the test of time and public speculation, proving that genuine friendship can thrive despite external pressures.