logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey Has Been in a Relationship with Stedman Graham for 33 Years but They're Not Married

Bettina Dizon
Dec 12, 2019
05:51 P.M.

Highly acclaimed talk show host and humanitarian Oprah Winfrey has been in a romantic relationship with Stedman Graham for decades, being the epitome of relationship goals.

Advertisement

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham are one of Hollywood’s long-lasting couples despite their choice not to tie the knot.

The couple kept their relationship private for years, with small glimpses of their lives in interviews; hence, many fans are curious about their life together.

Many also wonder how they have managed to stay healthy despite the different factors in their career that could have broken their relationship. Graham once credited being supportive as their secret.

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham attend Lee Daniels' "The Butler" New York Premiere. | Source: Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham attend Lee Daniels' "The Butler" New York Premiere. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

He said:

“We want each other to succeed. And I want her to succeed and to be as successful as she possibly can, so I encourage that.”

The couple first met in 1986 and have been strong and healthy since. Here’s a look at their love story and why they never got married.

Oprah Winfrey attends the Stella McCartney show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear. | Source: Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey attends the Stella McCartney show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

EARLY YEARS TOGETHER

Winfrey and Graham reportedly met at a charity event around the same time, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” made its debut.

The talk show host admitted that many doubted Graham because he looked like one with no intentions, yet he was able to prove his worth to her.

The following year, Graham made a special appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and surprised his special woman.

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham attend Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala. | Source: Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham attend Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

In 1992, the couple announced their engagement to the public, sharing that it was a straight-forward question that was asked.

WHY THEY NEVER GOT MARRIED

In 2017, after years of people wondering why the couple never got married, Winfrey addressed all the questions in an interview.

Oprah Winfrey attends the Statue Of Liberty Museum Opening Celebration. | Source: Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey attends the Statue Of Liberty Museum Opening Celebration. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

She answered the question “What would have happened if we had actually gotten married?” with:

“We wouldn’t be together. We would not have stayed together because marriage requires a different way of being in this world. 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.”

Oprah Winfrey attends The Museum of Modern ArtÕs 2018 David Rockefeller Award Luncheon. | Source: Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey attends The Museum of Modern ArtÕs 2018 David Rockefeller Award Luncheon. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

The couple has since made rare appearances, including the 2018 Golden Globe Awards, where the host gave an inspiring acceptance speech.

The reason behind their limited public outings is the stories that come along with every paparazzi shot, which is probably false.

Oprah Winfrey speaks onstage at the Women's E3 Summit. | Source: Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey speaks onstage at the Women's E3 Summit. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

GRAHAM’S OWN SUCCESS

Despite being with a famous and powerful woman, Graham sees his partner just like how any lover would see the person they love.

He is not intimidated by her fame and instead encourages and supports her successful career and advocacies.

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham attend the 'Selma' and the Legends Who Paved the Way Gala. | Source: Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham attend the 'Selma' and the Legends Who Paved the Way Gala. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Graham, an author, released hi 12th book called “Identity Leadership,” which Winfrey showed support for through social media. He shared:

“I’ve been able to find my own happiness and develop my own skills, my own talents, my own abilities -- and I’m satisfied with that. So the combination when you have a good partner that’s able to self-actualize their potential, and you’re able to self-actualize yours, one and one equals about six.”

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Lauren Graham Tended to Avoid Handsome-Actor Types until She Fell in Love with Peter Krause

March 15, 2022

Bette Midler’s Spouse of 37 Years Sacrificed His Career for Her after She Proposed in 6 Weeks

February 03, 2022

Tom Hanks Has Been Married to Wife Rita for 33 Years Who He Met amid Broken Marriage to College Sweetheart

January 26, 2022

Meet Leslie Uggam's Kids with Husband Who It Was Socially Taboo & Illegal to Marry In Several States

April 28, 2022

Inside Tom Hanks & Wife of 33 Years Rita Wilson's Relationship with Their Biracial Granddaughter

April 29, 2022

Tyler Perry Was Broke Living in His Car - He Recalls in Tears That He Was Only 'Praying & Believing’

February 23, 2022

Harry Revealed Pregnant Meghan Wanted to End Her Life ⁠— She Lived So He Would Not Lose Another Loved One

April 19, 2022

Marlo Thomas’ Spouse Was a Virgin before Marriage to Mom of His 5 Kids & a Lousy Lover Afterward

February 03, 2022

Guy Fieri’s Blue-Eyed Wife gave Him a ‘Mean Mug’ When They Met Yet He Already Knew She Is the One

February 23, 2022

Minnie Riperton Took Last Breath in Her Husband's Arms at 31 — Inside Their Interracial Marriage

April 26, 2022

Tina Turner's 2nd Spouse Sacrificed an Organ to Save Her Because He 'Didn't Want Another Woman'

April 24, 2022

Helen Mirren Is 'Heartbroken' by Stepson Rio's Death — Inside Her Life as a Stepmother

April 21, 2022

Meghan Markle ‘No Longer Cares’ if She Is Welcome in UK Though Prince Harry Is ‘Desperate’ to Return, Reports Say

February 24, 2022

Inside Ina Garten's Decision to Not Have Kids with Husband of 53 Years Whom She Met at 15

March 20, 2022