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Oprah surprises BFF Gayle King with unexpected celebration: 'Sorry we almost gave you a heart attack'

"My bestie of 50 years is turning 70," Oprah shared.


Daniel Neira
Daniel Neira - Los Angeles
Senior WriterLos Angeles
DECEMBER 16, 2024 5:22 PM EST

Oprah Winfrey gave one of her closest friends an incredible surprise. The media personality went viral after throwing a surprise birthday party for her friend Gayle King in New York City. "Sorry we almost gave you a heart attack," Oprah shared on social media after sharing a video of Gayle showing her shock after noticing the unexpected party for her. 

The two friends can be seen entering Ci Siamo in NYC wearing elegant ensembles. Oprah wore a gold jumpsuit paired with platforms and gold statement jewelry, while Gayle wore an aquamarine dress paired with matching heels and minimal jewelry.

Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey attend the 66th GRAMMY Awards © John Shearer
Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey attend the 66th GRAMMY Awards

She was all smiles after seeing all of her closest friends in attendance. However, Gayle can be seen throwing her purse at one of the nearby tables after realizing that the gathering was in celebration of her birthday. Oprah organized the sweet moment with their loved ones, and apologized for "almost" causing her "a heart attack."

Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King have had a strong friendship over the years © Carmen Valdes
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King have had a strong friendship over the years

"My bestie of 50 years is turning 70 so we gathered everyone that loved her to celebrate. Hard thing to surprise her, O the stories we have made up, the lies we have told to keep this a secret. Happy birthday [Gayle King] sorry we almost gave you a heart attack," Oprah wrote on Instagram.

Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey working together in NYC© Mathew Imaging
Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey working together in NYC

Oprah shared photos and videos of the celebration, showing her love and appreciation for her longtime friend. "[Gayle's] birthday is on December 28, right in the middle of Christmas and New Year’s. She doesn’t like to inconvenience anyone so we bake her favorite yellow cake and her favorite food (Dover sole and hot crescent rolls). But this year we threw her a birthday blowout with all the people that love her. It was a Gayle love fest—and she deserves every bit of it," she shared.