Gayle King has revealed that Oprah Winfrey is in the hospital due to a severe stomach bug.
According to her close friend and journalist, Oprah was admitted for “some kind of stomach thing,” likely a bad stomach virus that required medical attention.
King shared this update on Tuesday’s episode of ‘CBS Mornings’, explaining Oprah’s absence from the program.
Oprah’s condition was serious, as King described: “Yesterday she said, ‘I’m going to rally, I’m going to rally.’ She had some kind of stomach flu where stuff was coming out of both ends. I won’t get too graphic.” King continued, “But needless to say, she ended up in the hospital. Dehydration, she had an IV, so it was a very serious thing.”
King reassured viewers, saying, “She will be OK. She will be OK,” and added, “I hope she’s not mad at me for sharing that detail, but I wanted to make it clear that it mattered to her and it bothered her that she couldn’t be here for you today.”
In Winfrey’s absence, King announced her latest book club selection and interviewed the featured author, David Wroblewski, channeling Winfrey’s enthusiasm: “extraordinary journey that brilliantly interweaves history, philosophy, adventure, and mysticism to explore the meaning of love, friendship, and living your life’s true purpose.”
A spokesperson for Oprah confirmed her hospitalization and recovery. “Ms. Winfrey is recovering following a stomach virus and received an IV due to dehydration at the recommendation of her doctor,” the spokesperson stated, without giving further specifics about her hospital stay or illness.
In December, Oprah told People about a medically approved prescription for managing weight, calling it “a relief, like redemption, like a gift.” She mentioned using it as needed to avoid yo-yo dieting.
Although she didn’t specify the drug, months later she revealed stepping down from her position as a WeightWatchers board member, a decision influenced by her work on a TV special about the rise of injectable prescription weight-loss drugs.
Oprah, we wish you to get well soon!
