Oprah Winfrey was recently scheduled to appear on CBS Mornings to announce her newest book club pick, a highly anticipated moment for her fans. However, her spokesperson shared via Instagram that she was unable to make the appearance due to a sudden illness over the weekend. Stepping in for her friend, Gayle King addressed the reason behind Winfrey’s absence.
King explained that Winfrey had been feeling under the weather, which led to a brief health scare. She assured viewers that her best friend would be just fine, but it became clear that Winfrey was battling something more serious than a simple cold.
Only after several days of recovery, it was revealed that Winfrey had been dealing with a severe stomach virus. “Ms. Winfrey is recovering after experiencing a stomach virus and was given an IV for dehydration, per her doctor’s advice,” a spokesperson said in a statement to CNN. Winfrey herself mentioned during a video call with King, shared on Instagram, that she “couldn’t keep enough water down,” prompting her to seek medical attention.
King reassured fans that the beloved media mogul is resting and feeling stronger each day, adding that she hopes Winfrey won’t be upset with her for sharing some of the more personal health details.
Earlier this year, Winfrey and King sat down for an interview with The New York Times, where they spoke about their decades-long friendship and mutual admiration. Despite turning 70, Winfrey has often showcased her vitality, posting videos of herself running on the beach with her dog. In one recent post, she expressed her gratitude for her health, calling it the best gift while thanking fans for their birthday messages.