Oprah Winfrey marked the upcoming 40th anniversary of her influential talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," with a gathering of former co-workers in Chicago. The media mogul was joined by her longtime partner, Stedman Graham, for the celebration, which took place at Navy Pier.
Winfrey, 72, shared a video on social media expressing gratitude to her former team. "I cannot even believe that as of next month, September 8, it will be 40 years since we first launched ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show.’ Thank you for being the greatest team ever," she stated.
Graham, CEO of his own management and marketing consultancy firm, appeared alongside Winfrey, who was dressed in a cream pinstripe blazer and pants. Graham wore a black suit and white shirt. This marked a rare public appearance for the couple, whose last joint outing was at the Tyler Perry Studios Grand Opening Gala in October 2019.
Winfrey and Graham have been together since 1986, the same year her talk show debuted. They met at a charity event and began dating shortly thereafter. The couple became engaged in 1992 but later called off their wedding, with Winfrey reflecting in an essay that she realized she did not desire marriage but rather "to be asked." She also noted that they would likely not still be together if they had married, a sentiment Graham shares.
Winfrey highlighted that their relationship thrives because Graham has cultivated an identity independent of her public persona, focusing on his work in Identity Leadership. She also emphasized their shared core values and mutual support for each other's personal and professional fulfillment.
"The Oprah Winfrey Show" concluded its 25-season run in 2011. Winfrey has indicated plans to discuss the anniversary further on her podcast in September.