Oprah Winfrey was wiping away tears as she watched her best friend Gayle King fly into space. On Monday morning, King and other celebrities, including Katy Perry, flew into space on the Blue Origin mission.
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Oprah Winfrey Cries Watching Friend Gayle King Fly To Space
When the shuttle launched into the sky in West Texas, 71-year-old Winfrey watched in awe. The former talk show host sported a bright yellow sweater. According to the New York Post, she told a reporter during the livestream there was a reason behind her wearing yellow. Winfrey wore the color because her 70-year-old best friend, King, is "sunshine" to her.
Winfrey said that she had "never been more proud" of her friend, the CBS Mornings host. The duo have been friends for nearly 50 years, so it's no surprise Winfrey would be emotional about the space flight. Livestream footage caught Oprah crying, holding her hand to her face as she watched the shuttle take off.
"This is bigger than just going to space," said Oprah to Forbes. "Anytime we're on a flight, she's in anybody's lap if there's the slightest bit of turbulance," she revealed. For King, this was a way to overcome her fear of flying. Oprah then described the experience as "cathartic" for King.
It wasn't even King's idea to join the Blue Origin launch, it was Winfrey's idea. The flight passengers consisted of Lauren Sanchez (Jeff Bezos' fiancee), Kerianne Flynn, Katy Perry, Aisha Bowe, and Amanda Nguyen, alongside King.
When the reporter asked Winfrey why she wanted King to join this mission, she said it was because of the need to grow. "Because I think life is about continuing to grow into the best of yourself," Winfrey explained. "I think this is one of the most fullest expressions you can possibly have."
Winfrey also knew that her friend would regret it, and she "didn't want to hear about it for the next 15 years." Knowing that there was only one chance for King to do this, Winfrey gave her friend that push she needed.
The all-female crew blasted off into space on the New Shepard rocket. This gave the women 10 minutes to float at the edge of space around 105 kilometers (65 miles) high, according to CBC.
Winfrey also revealed her final conversation with King before she took off. She said, "Peace be still, hold to God's unchanging hand. He's got your back."
Luckily, the launch was successful, and the women made it back safe and sound. As soon as King came out of the rocket, she kissed the ground, thankful to be back on Earth.
