Oprah Winfrey, often hailed as the Queen of Media has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for decades. Behind the scenes, a constant presence in her life has been Stedman Graham.
While Oprah's professional achievements have been widely celebrated, her personal life with Stedman Graham has also been a subject of interest and admiration.
In this article, we'll delve into the life and identity of Stedman Graham, the man who has stood beside one of the most influential women in the world.
Who is Oprah's Partner Stedman Graham?
Since 1986, Oprah has been dating Stedman Graham. The pair has not yet had a wedding ceremony. Stedman, 66, is a motivational speaker and bestselling author of self-help books.
Oprah has frequently stirred speculation about her close friendship with Gayle King, with some assuming that the two are in a secret same-sex romance.
“I understand why people think we're gay,” she commented in the August 2006 issue of O, the Oprah Magazine. There is no definition in our culture for this type of female friendship. So I understand why people feel the need to categorize it—how can you be this close without it becoming sexual?
“I've said almost everything there is to say. Everything I own is on the internet. People believe I'd be so ashamed of my sexual orientation that I wouldn't admit it. Please, please.”
How Did Oprah and Stedman Graham Meet?
Stedman and Oprah first met at a charity event in 1986. The two crossed paths a few times, but Stedman was usually with his girlfriend, so Oprah ignored him.
They were both visiting a mutual acquaintance at the same time, and she noticed he wasn't with his companion, so she invited him to join her for a drink.
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Stedman had just broken up with his fiancée at the time, and he and Oprah began dating soon after.
How Long Have They Been Together?
The pair have been together for 30 years. In a magazine editorial, Oprah called their relationship a “spiritual partnership.”
“Our relationship works because he created an identity beyond being ‘Oprah's man” (he teaches identity leadership across the world and has written many books on the subject), stated the media mogul.
“And because we share all the important values, the first of which is integrity,” she concluded. And we enjoy seeing others accomplish and manifest their destiny and mission.
According to him, “It's what Gary Zukav defines as a spiritual partnership: a partnership between equals for spiritual growth.”
What Has Oprah Said About Marriage?
After canceling their wedding arrangements in 1993, Oprah denied rumors that she was marrying Stedman. The actress is adamant about getting married and has already discussed why she and Stedman did not marry.
“The only time I brought it up was when I said to Stedman, ‘What would have happened if we had gotten married?'” she told Vogue in September 2017. ‘We wouldn't be together,' says the answer. We would not have stayed together since marriage necessitates a different way of life.
She went on to say, “His interpretation of what it means to be a husband and what it would mean for me to be a wife would have been pretty traditional, and I would not have been able to fit into that.”
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Stedman proposed to her in 1987 while on his way to her house to deliver a tape of the newest episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
He popped the question as she met him, adding, “Is this the proposal?” Stedman told Oprah, “I want to marry you.” “I believe the time has come.” Winfrey responded, “Ah, that's great.”
