This week, Oprah Winfrey’s fans were left hanging when she was notably absent from a scheduled appearance on CBS to promote a new book. Instead, Oprah’s close friend and CBS anchor, Gayle King, filled in viewers about the media mogul’s severe health scare that led to her hospitalization.
“She had some kind of stomach thing… stomach flu… stuff was coming out of both ends,” King revealed on “CBS Mornings.” She continued, “I won’t get too graphic. Needless to say, she ended up in the hospital, dehydration, had to get an IV, it was a very serious thing.” Despite the ordeal, Oprah tried to make it to the event, but her condition just wouldn’t allow it. She attempted to “rally” but was ultimately unable to attend, King added.
King expressed her concern about sharing Winfrey’s health details publicly, hoping it wouldn’t upset her friend. “I wanted to make it clear that [the book] matters to her and it really bothered her that she couldn’t be here today. She so, so loved this book,” King said.
View this post on Instagram
A representative for Oprah confirmed to Page Six that the television icon is on the mend after her battle with the stomach flu. “She is recovering following a stomach flu and received an IV due to dehydration at the recommendation of her doctor,” the spokesperson stated. “She is resting and feeling better every day.”
Oprah’s health has often been a topic of public discussion. She recently made headlines with her new documentary exploring the use of weight loss drugs, a very personal subject for her. “It is a very personal topic for me and for the hundreds of millions of people impacted around the globe who have for years struggled with weight and obesity,” Oprah shared in a recent interview.
In the past, Oprah has been candid about her dietary struggles and her journey with weight management. She has been associated with Weight Watchers (now known as WW) and has emphasized portion control and mindful eating as part of her strategy for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Her vulnerability and openness about her weight have subjected her to public scrutiny, which she addressed last December.
"*" indicates required fields
“It was public sport to make fun of me for 25 years. I have been blamed and shamed, and I blamed and shamed myself,” she told PEOPLE.
The scrutiny intensified last year with swirling rumors that she was using Ozempic, the diabetes drug that has become a weight loss sensation. Addressing these speculations head-on, Oprah revealed that she had indeed started taking the medication after years of relying solely on her own “willpower” to manage her weight.
As Oprah continues to recover from her recent health scare, her work in media, philanthropy, and wellness advocacy continues. With her podcast and Apple TV series, she engages in deep conversations with high-profile guests about a wide range of topics, from mental health to societal issues. Her influence, particularly through her book club, significantly shapes book sales and reading trends, proving that even in recovery, Oprah’s impact on the cultural landscape remains profound.