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Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King are the ultimate celebrity best friend duo, adored by fans for their unshakable bond. Winfrey, a Hollywood icon known for her fearless conversations and decades-long television career, and King, her equally accomplished counterpart, share a friendship that’s nothing short of legendary. Fans often call their own best friends the “Gayle to their Oprah,” inspired by the duo’s story.
Though their upbringings couldn’t have been more different. Winfrey endured a challenging childhood, moving between her parents’ homes in Milwaukee and Nashville, while King enjoyed a more privileged upbringing, including time in Turkey with a housekeeper and swimming pool. But the two best friends eventually found each other.
From the moment they met, they formed a sister-like bond that’s stood the test of time. The duo has been friends for almost 50 years now. Here are five things about their remarkable friendship you probably didn’t know!
1Bad weather made them BFFs
Oprah Winfreyand Gayle King’s iconic friendship began in the early days of their careers at Baltimore’s WJZ-TV. Back then, both women were in their twenties, navigating life as single, young Black professionals. Winfrey was anchoring the 6 o’clock news, while King worked behind the scenes as a production assistant. Despite being in different roles, their shared experiences and similar ages brought them together.
The turning point in their budding friendship came during a snowstorm when Winfrey invited King to stay overnight at her home since it was too risky. That evening sparked a bond that quickly grew into an unbreakable friendship.
Both Winfrey and King found solace in one another, especially since their experiences didn’t always align with societal expectations. Their unique interests and tastes often made them feel like outsiders. While remembering their friendship, King said (viaOprah Daily),
We became friends that first night because for the first time, I met somebody who I felt was like me. I’d never met anybody like that. Certainly not another Black girl. I grew up in an all-white community.
King loved Barry Manilow, while Winfrey was into Neil Diamond. These preferences didn’t exactly fit the mold for young Black women at the time.
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Winfrey commented,
It’s that whole being-the-odd-girl-out thing—we didn’t fit in to everybody else’s perception of what it’s like to be a Black girl
Yet, they embraced their individuality and supported one another, finding comfort in their shared pride in being Black while celebrating their differences.
From those humble beginnings at WJZ-TV, their friendship flourished, rooted in understanding and authenticity. Decades later, their relationship remains one of the most cherished and admired in the entertainment world.
2Their epic cross-country road tripput their friendship to the test
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King once hit the open road for an unforgettable cross-country adventure that became a fan-favorite moment onThe Oprah Winfrey Show. The journey, playfully called “See the U.S.A. in a Chevrolet,” spanned 11 days and covered 3,600 miles, taking the besties from sunny Santa Barbara all the way to bustling New York City.
By day two, the duo found themselves in Arizona, and the long hours on the road began to test their patience. The close quarters brought out some playful bickering, as King took charge behind the wheel while Winfrey relaxed in the passenger seat. Tensions flared, as happens on any great road trip, but their banter was as entertaining as it was relatable.
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The mood shifted later that day when they stumbled upon a quirky roadside motel with teepee-shaped rooms, a fun and unexpected highlight of their journey. The adventure showed not just their incredible bond but also their ability to laugh through the ups and downs. This road trip became proof that even the most iconic friendships can have their road bumps, both literally and figuratively.
3The two legends praise each other’s careers openly
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King are not just best friends but also each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Both are trailblazers in their fields, Winfrey, a billionaire media mogul and cultural icon, and Gayle, an Emmy-winning journalist and Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame inductee. The year 2018 proved to be a banner one for both women, filled with unforgettable milestones.
That year, Winfrey made headlines when she delivered a powerful acceptance speech at the Golden Globes while receiving the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award. Her words sparked global buzz, including playful rumors of a presidential run. King was by her side that evening, shining as her glamorous date along with Oprah’s partner, Stedman. This was but one example.
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King even joined Winfrey at the National Museum of African American History and Culture for an exclusive look at a new exhibit honoring Oprah Winfrey’s extraordinary career and legacy.
But it was not only King cheering her friend on. Winfrey never lost an opportunity to be there for her friend as well. In October 2018, when King was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame Oprah Winfrey took the stage to present the award, giving a heartfelt tribute to her best friend’s achievements.
4Oprah Winfrey plays a special role in Gayle King’s family
Oprah Winfrey holds a special place in Gayle King’s family, and her role as a grand-godparent makes their friendship even more meaningful. In 2021, King’s daughter, Kirby Bumpus, and her husband, Virgil Miller, welcomed their first child, Luca Lynn Miller. King couldn’t contain her excitement as she shared the joyful news onCBS Mornings,calling her new role as a grandmother a dream come true.
Naturally, Winfrey, an honorary godmother to Kirby, became a part of little Luca’s life as well. The media mogul finally met the newest member of the family during Christmas 2021 and instantly adored him. As someone so deeply intertwined with King’s life, Winfrey’s relationship with Luca became an extension of their everlasting friendship. The arrival of the baby added even more love and laughter to their already legendary bond.
5The necklace that says it all
Gayle King treasures a heart-shaped diamond necklace gifted to her by Oprah Winfrey, and she’s rarely seen without it. The necklace has a special backstory that makes it even more meaningful. Winfrey had originally owned the charm as part of a pair of earrings but decided to gift it to King during a tough time in her life.
The gesture came when King was navigating the challenges of her divorce. During that time Winfrey provided King with unwavering support, comfort, and strength. The necklace has since become a symbol of the friendship and the love they share.It’s so wholesome to see two icons like Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King standing by each other no matter what. They’re the ultimate example of best friends who’ve got each other’s backs through all the ups and downs. Imagine how amazing the world would be if everyone had a BFF like that to lean on! Celebs or not, we all need that one person to share our lives with.
Sohini Mukherjee
Content Writer
Articles Published :331
Sohini Mukherjee is an Evergreen writer at FandomWire, specializing in pop culture, all things sitcoms, and, of course, Harry Potter. She has a soft spot for shows like Modern Family and pretty much any movie that knows how to tell a good story. You’ll find her name on listicles and long form articles that feel more like fun conversations than stiff articles. Having published over 300 articles, Sohini always brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the stories she covers.
