Oprah Winfrey, queen of absolutely everything, just pulled off a legendary surprise for her ride-or-die bestie, Gayle King, who’s about to join the fabulous 70s club. And when Oprah throws a party, you know it’s not just cake and balloons—it’s a whole production.
“My bestie of 50 years is turning 70, so we gathered everyone who loves her to celebrate,” Oprah shared, casually flexing her ability to rally an entire room of Gayle’s favorite people. But don’t think it was easy—Oprah admitted, “Hard thing to surprise her. O, the stories we’ve made up, the lies we’ve told to keep this a secret.” You know you’re besties when you’re out here spinning tales just to pull off the perfect birthday bash.
And yes, there were consequences. “Happy birthday, @gayleking. Sorry we almost gave you a heart attack😂,” Oprah wrote. That’s friendship goals: nearly killing each other with kindness.
The big reveal? A video shows Oprah escorting Gayle into a room filled with cheering humans (because, duh, it’s Oprah and Gayle). Among the screamers: TODAY show legends Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, who were all-in on the chaos. The crowd eventually broke into “Happy Birthday,” but not before Gayle hit peak shock. Purse? Dropped. Hands? Over her heart. Expression? A mix of “OMG!” and “Wait, am I being punked?”
For those who don’t know (where have you been?!), Oprah and Gayle’s friendship began back in 1976 at Baltimore’s WJZ-TV. One snowy night, Oprah invited Gayle to crash at her place, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Just two gals, surviving snowstorms and life together. Iconic.
And if you thought you were bestie goals, take notes. Oprah just set the bar somewhere in the stratosphere. Happy 70th, Gayle—may your next surprise involve fewer heart palpitations!
Watch the heartwarming chaos unfold…