Oprah Winfrey’s spokesperson recently took to Instagram to announce that the media icon was set to appear on CBS Mornings to reveal her latest book club pick. However, over the weekend, Winfrey fell ill with a stomach virus, leading to her absence from the show.
Gayle King, her longtime friend, stepped in to explain the situation, sharing that Winfrey was recovering after receiving treatment for dehydration. “Ms. Winfrey is recovering after a stomach virus and was given an IV for dehydration, as per her doctor’s recommendation,” a representative told CNN on Tuesday. “She’s resting and feeling better each day.”
In a video call posted on Gayle King’s Instagram, Winfrey herself explained to King that she “couldn’t keep enough water down,” which prompted her to seek medical help. King reassured viewers that Winfrey is expected to make a full recovery, humorously adding, “[I hope] she’s not mad at me for sharing that detail.”
Earlier this year, Winfrey and King gave a joint interview with The New York Times, where they praised their strong bond. King described Winfrey as “a blunt truth-teller,” adding, “[We] enjoy each other very, very much.”
Despite being 70, Winfrey has shown she remains physically active. In January, she posted a video on Instagram running on the beach with her dog and a friend, highlighting the importance of health as the best gift. In the caption, she expressed her gratitude for the birthday wishes she received.