Gayle King Shares Oprah’s Emotional Reaction to Blue Origin Flight

NEW YORK CITY, NY — Gayle King revealed how her longtime friend Oprah Winfrey reacted to her recent Blue Origin space flight during the TIME100 Gala on April 24. King, who participated in the all-female expedition on April 14, recounted Oprah’s emotional response after the crew returned to Earth.

“She was so welled up,” said King, 70, in an exclusive interview with E! News. “I know she said at one point that she was proud of me.” King clarified that Oprah’s tears were not due to fear but from understanding the challenges King faced to embark on the mission.

“When people saw her crying, they thought she was worried something would happen,” King explained. “That wasn’t it at all. She was crying because she knew what it took for me to do that.” Oprah expressed her pride, telling her, “You did that, and I’m so proud of you.”

Despite her worries before the flight, King was motivated to take part in the historic journey. “I was always going to do it,” she shared, noting her initial fears as she approached the spacecraft. “At that moment I was so afraid; I just wanted to get into my seat.”

King also mentioned the crew included notable figures such as rock scientist Aisha Bowe and activist Amanda Nguyen. Reflecting on her experience, she felt a wave of excitement mixed with apprehension leading up to the launch.

The event has sparked discussions about the impact of celebrity space travel, especially among those who were critical of the mission’s motives. King, however, celebrated the importance of women in space exploration and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

A source close to King stated, “Oprah knows things.” Her unwavering support seemed to comfort King during the intense moments leading up to the flight and afterward.

This event highlights not only the personal journey of Gayle King but also the broader implications of female representation in the space industry.