Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential women in the world, has long been open about her relationship with her longtime partner, Stedman Graham. However, in a recent interview, Oprah revealed why she has never married Stedman, and why she believes she never will. Despite their decades-long relationship, Oprah has always shied away from the traditional path of marriage, choosing instead to focus on her career, personal growth, and her vision for living life on her own terms.
In the candid discussion, Oprah explained that marriage was never something she felt was necessary for their relationship to thrive. She and Stedman, who have been together since 1986, have built a strong and lasting bond without the need for a legal marriage certificate. Oprah admitted that part of the reason she chose not to marry was because she feared that the dynamics of their relationship might change if they did. “If we had gotten married, we wouldn’t be together now,” Oprah stated firmly. “I would not have been able to live up to the traditional expectations of a wife.”
For Oprah, who has broken barriers and forged her own path in the world of media and philanthropy, marriage represented a set of societal norms that didn’t align with her personal and professional goals. She explained that the demands of her career, which have required enormous time, energy, and focus, would have conflicted with the traditional roles expected of a wife. Oprah also shared that she believes true love and commitment don’t require the formalities of marriage. “I’ve seen too many marriages crumble under the weight of expectations,” she said. “I didn’t want that for us.”
Stedman, who has always supported Oprah’s ambitions and choices, has been described by Oprah as the perfect partner for her. He has been by her side through some of the most pivotal moments of her career, from launching her iconic talk show to building her media empire. Yet, despite their closeness, Oprah believes that maintaining their individuality and independence is what has kept their relationship strong for so many years.
Oprah also touched on the public’s fascination with their relationship and the persistent rumors about their choice not to marry. “People are always asking, ‘Why aren’t you married?’ But marriage is not the definition of a successful relationship,” she explained. “For Stedman and me, the success is in the partnership we’ve built over the years. We love each other, we respect each other, and that’s what matters most.”
Her decision not to marry Stedman isn’t about race or their different backgrounds—Oprah made it clear that their bond transcends such considerations. For her, it’s about defining love and partnership on her own terms, without the constraints of traditional societal expectations. Ultimately, Oprah’s choice reflects her belief that relationships are personal and unique, and what works for one couple might not work for another.