Oprah Winfrey Just Turned 70—and She Celebrated in a Very Surprising Way

Oprah Winfrey celebrated her 70th birthday (yes, you read that right) on Monday, but she decided to do things a bit differently this year.

A day before her birthday, which was on January 29, the former talk show host wrote and published a letter on Oprah Daily. The Color Purple producer started the letter by sharing how her friends and family encouraged her to throw a “big, special” party for her 70th birthday.  

“I had such pressure from all my friends to do something big, something special; to have a dinner, a party or luncheon—or to go somewhere like a spa, a hike, a resort, or to meditate in Nepal,” Winfrey wrote. 

The media personality continued, “I thought about it all, took in all their suggestions, and finally did what one friend, Wintley, recommended. He said, ‘You’re too blessed to stress. Savor the fragrances of your extraordinary life.’ It reminded me of the last line of ‘Love After Love,’ one of my favorite poems by Derek Walcott: ‘Sit. Feast on your life.’”

So, Winfrey chose to take a moment and reflect on her life instead. She wrote, “So that’s what I've been doing—going through old journals, photos, memory boxes, feasting, savoring, and marveling at the discovery, pain, joy, and wonder of 70 years of growing into the woman I am.”

Winfrey ended the essay by reflecting on the “poignancy of time passing.” She added, “Seventy resonates, letting you know for sure that there are not as many years remaining as you’ve already consumed. I take great satisfaction in accepting that regardless of how many more suns are left—the rising each time has been worth it.”

Though Winfrey opted for a smaller birthday, she did mark the occasion in her own special way. In a video posted on her IG page, the producer and author can be seen enjoying a casual run on the beach with her dog and trainer. 

“Celebrating 70 with a run on the beach. #healthisthebestgift. Thank you for all the birthday love [party emoji],” she captioned the post.