Oprah Winfrey recently shared a health update with her close friend Gayle King. Winfrey revealed, “I went to the emergency room because I couldn’t keep enough water down to get hydrated.”
Gayle King, 69, updated everyone on Oprah’s condition on CBS Mornings on June 11, explaining that the 70-year-old had been hospitalized due to a stomach illness and dehydration. However, Oprah clarified that she wasn’t hospitalized but did go to the ER for severe dehydration.
King shared a FaceTime conversation with Winfrey on Instagram to set the record straight. King said, “I never said you were hospitalized. I did say that you had a stomach issue, and it was coming out of both ends, which it was.”
Winfrey responded, “I was in the emergency room; I was so dehydrated. I had a dry mouth and couldn’t keep enough water down, so I went to the emergency room for that.”
Winfrey added that she’s “not 100 percent yet, but I’m on my way.” She mentioned that the same virus had also affected five members of her family.
King explained that Oprah couldn’t make her scheduled appearance on the show to discuss her new book club pick, “Familiaris” by David Wroblewski. King said, “The point I was trying to make was that there was no way she could get on a plane and be here.” Winfrey agreed, saying, “I was too weak to get on the plane.”
Oprah emphasized the importance of hygiene, saying, “Wash your hands, people. The doctor told me this virus can spread through things like railings and doorknobs.”
King also asked Winfrey if she was upset about the health news being shared. Winfrey laughed, saying, “Everyone who has my email has reached out asking if I’m okay. Thanks for that!”
King captioned the Instagram post, “Introducing @oprah’s latest book club pick, #Familiaris, without Oprah—a first for @cbsmornings! She was in the ER for an IV drip due to severe dehydration from a stomach ailment.” King clarified, “I thought I made it clear she wasn’t hospitalized, but headlines said otherwise.”
In the broadcast, King explained, “She had some kind of stomach flu and needed an IV for dehydration, which led her to the hospital. It was serious, and she needed to take some time off.”
A representative for Oprah confirmed to PEOPLE, “Ms. Winfrey is recovering from a stomach virus and received an IV due to dehydration as advised by her doctor. She is resting and feeling better every day.”
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