Gayle King reveals Oprah Winfrey’s emotional response after Blue Origin space flight at TIME100 Gala

Gayle King opens up about Oprah Winfrey’s emotional reaction to her historic Blue Origin spaceflight, sharing pride.

Gayle King shared exclusive details with E! News at the TIME100 Gala about the heartfelt support her best friend, Oprah Winfrey, expressed after King returned from her Blue Origin space flight on April 14.

Oprah was visibly emotional as she watched King embark on the historic all-female space expedition, which also included Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez. Upon King's return to Earth, Oprah's tears were not due to concern for her safety, as many had assumed, but out of pride for her friend's accomplishment. "She was crying because she knew what it took for me to do that," King revealed. Oprah later told King, "I'm so proud of you. You did that, and I'm so proud of you."

King, 70, also reflected on her initial hesitation about the flight. She admitted to feeling fear and apprehension as she boarded the spacecraft, which led to a viral meme capturing her nervous expression. "I just wanted to get into my seat because I just wanted to let the training kick in," she explained. Despite her nerves, King knew she would eventually go through with the flight, especially after being assured by Oprah that everything would be fine.

Gayle's moment of hesitation was well-documented, but Oprah remained confident in her friend's decision, saying, "She always said I was going to be OK." Oprah’s unwavering belief in King helped her push through the initial fear and take the historic flight, a moment that has since become a significant milestone for King.