Oprah Winfrey, 72, was photographed with her partner of 40 years, Stedman Graham, 75, at an event celebrating the 15th anniversary of her Chicago-based multimedia production company, Harpo Studios. The joint appearance was their first public sighting together in over seven years.
The event, held at Navy Pier in Chicago, included celebrity chef Art Smith and Winfrey's longtime private chef, who shared photos and videos on Instagram. In one image, the trio held up a platter of fried chicken. Winfrey wore a cream-colored cropped blazer with a pinstriped pattern and matching trousers, while Graham sported a black suit.
Winfrey and Graham, who are not married, have been together since 1986. They met the same year Winfrey launched The Oprah Winfrey Show. The couple became engaged in 1992 but called off the wedding the following year, opting to remain a couple without a traditional marriage.
In a 2020 essay for O, The Oprah Magazine, Winfrey reflected that she realized she did not want to be married but wanted to be asked, acknowledging that she did not want the sacrifices and compromises required for marriage. She stated that she and Graham agree they would not still be together had they married.
Graham has previously spoken about their relationship, attributing its longevity to their individuality and mutual support. In a 2019 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, he said he is dedicated to Winfrey's happiness and has found his own satisfaction through his own skills and talents.
Winfrey has also discussed how her high-profile career led her to intentionally keep certain aspects of her life private to avoid public scrutiny and tabloid speculation. Their last joint public appearance was at the Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala in 2019.