Oprah Winfrey surprised her longtime friend Gayle King with a special birthday celebration that left King completely shocked. The heartwarming moment was captured in a video that Winfrey shared on Instagram on December 14th. In the video, the two friends were seen walking arm-in-arm until they stumbled upon a cheering crowd. The cheers grew louder as the crowd noticed them, prompting King – who was soon turning 70 on December 28th – to take a few steps back, place her purse on a nearby table, and freeze with her hands over her heart. The joyous group, which included Hoda Kotb and Al Roker from TODAY, then erupted into a chorus of “Happy Birthday.”
In the caption of the Instagram post, Winfrey revealed, “My bestie of 50 years is turning 70 so we gathered everyone that loved her to celebrate.” She went on to share the challenges of keeping the surprise under wraps, saying, “Hard thing to surprise her, O the stories we have made up, the lies we have told to keep this a secret.” Ending her message with a touch of humor, Winfrey added, “Happy birthday @gayleking, sorry we almost gave you a heart attack,” accompanied by a crying-laughing emoji.
The deep bond between Winfrey and King dates back to 1976 when they first crossed paths while working together at a local Baltimore news station, WJZ-TV. Their friendship truly solidified on a snowy night when Winfrey, then an anchor, offered King, who was a production assistant at the time, a place to stay. This act of kindness laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong friendship.
In a New York Times interview published in January, Winfrey expressed her belief that their friendship has set the “gold standard” for what true companionship should be. She highlighted the challenges they faced over the years, including persistent rumors about the nature of their relationship. Despite the speculation, King boldly stated, “If we were gay, we would tell you.”
During a July episode of Melinda French Gates’ “Moments That Make Us” series, Winfrey and King addressed the ongoing rumors surrounding their friendship. Winfrey recounted the unfounded rumors that have followed them, emphasizing the importance of their genuine bond. She reflected on the misconceptions people have due to their deep connection, noting, “Maybe people aren’t accustomed to seeing women with this kind of truth bond.”
The enduring friendship between Winfrey and King serves as a testament to the power of genuine connection and shared experiences. Through thick and thin, these two remarkable women have stood by each other, facing challenges and celebrating triumphs together. As they continue to navigate life’s ups and downs, their unwavering support for one another remains a beacon of strength and solidarity in a world that often questions the authenticity of female friendships.
The birthday surprise orchestrated by Winfrey for King not only showcased their enduring friendship but also served as a reminder
