Oprah Winfrey, 70, was hospitalized with a stomach virus this week, forcing her to skip her scheduled appearance on CBS Mornings on Tuesday to announce her next book club selection.
Gayle King explained her absence during the broadcast. “She had some kind of stomach thing — stomach flu — stuff was coming out of both ends,” she said. “I won’t get too graphic. Needless to say, she ended up in the hospital, dehydration, had to get an IV.”
“It was a very serious thing,” she added, noting that Winfrey tried to “rally” but needed to rest. “She will be okay. I hope she’s not mad at me for sharing that detail,” King said of her longtime friend. “But I wanted to make it clear, though, that it mattered to her and that it really bothered her that she couldn’t be here for you today.”
A representative for Winfrey revealed that the media mogul is recuperating and on the mend, according to Tribune.
“Ms. Winfrey is recovering following a stomach virus and received an IV due to dehydration at the recommendation of her doctor,” the spokesperson added. “She is resting and feeling better every day.”
The representative did not reveal the length of Winfrey’s hospital stay or the reason of her illness.
Winfrey has returned to her home following therapy. According to an unnamed person close to Winfrey, the ailment is not related to the weight loss drugs she previously reported utilizing.
King, who filled in for Winfrey, revealed David Wroblewski’s prequel novel “Familiaris” as the latest book club selection, imitating Winfrey’s theatrical announcement manner.
Winfrey described the book as a “extraordinary journey” that combines history, philosophy, adventure, and mysticism to explore love, friendship, and life’s fundamental purpose.