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Oprah Winfrey just addressed the persistent rumors about her close friendship with broadcast journalist Gayle King.

During an appearance on Melinda French Gates' Moments That Make Us interview series, Oprah, who has been in a committed relationship with Stedman Graham for over 35 years, spoke candidly about her bond with King, emphasizing the deep and platonic nature of their connection.

"For years, people used to say we were gay, and listen, we were up against that forever. And people still may think it," Oprah, 70, said. King, 69, humorously added, "It was hard enough for me to get a date on Saturday night without people thinking they were together."

Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey attend the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Oprah recently made a rare comment regarding her and King's close relationship and addressing... Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey attend the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Oprah recently made a rare comment regarding her and King's close relationship and addressing rumors. Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Their friendship, spanning decades, has often led to speculation about its nature. The TV personality reassured viewers, saying, "If we were gay, we'd tell you!" Oprah noted that their bond is often misunderstood because such deep, platonic connections between women are rare. "The reason why I think our friendship has worked is because Gayle is happier, not just happy, but happier for me for any kind of success or victory or challenge I get through than I am for myself," The Harpo Inc. owner explained. "You cannot out-happy her. I am equally as happy for her."

Oprah recently supported her bestie as she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2024 issue, a surprise which was revealed during CBS Mornings back in May. The Note to Self author revealed Oprah's reaction when she ran the idea by her to Entertainment Tonight, saying, "Oprah said, 'You and I have two different ideas of fun. You would enjoy that.' I go, 'I do, I do,' But she said, 'It's so you, you should go for it.' and I do feel it's going for it."

King was thrilled to learn she was on the cover, not just inside pages, of a magazine. "They told me I was just going to be on the inside!" she exclaimed in the segment, amazed to see the cover featuring her in a geometric-print one-piece bathing suit. As the cover image appeared on screen, King couldn't contain her excitement: "This is going to be on the newsstand? Oh my God!"

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