Oprah Reveals Barbara Walters' Influence on Her Decision Not to Have Kids
"Oprah Spills Tea: How Barbara Walters' Rocky Relationship with Her Daughter Shaped Oprah's Decision to Remain Childless"
The Queen of Talk, Oprah Winfrey, has finally spilled the tea on how her decision to remain childless was influenced by none other than the late media mogul Barbara Walters. In an upcoming Hulu documentary titled "Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything," Oprah opens up about how Walters' tumultuous relationship with her adopted daughter Jacqueline played a significant role in Oprah's own life choices.
For those who may not know, Barbara Walters was a trailblazer in journalism, breaking down barriers for women in the industry. But behind closed doors, her personal life was marked by turmoil and heartache. Specifically, her complicated relationship with her daughter Jacqueline, whom she adopted in 1968, left many wondering what went wrong.
According to Oprah, who appeared on "The Today Show" alongside Walters back in the day, the media legend would often encourage Oprah to have children of her own. But when Oprah looked at Walters' own situation and saw the strain it put on their relationship, she knew that wasn't the path for her.
"I remember her telling me once that there's nothing more fulfilling than having children, and 'You should really think about it,'" Oprah recalled. "And I was like, 'Okay, but I'm looking at you, so no.'"
Walters' rocky relationship with Jacqueline began when the teenager ran away from home at 16 due to her mom's increasing fame and the pressures that came with it. Walters later revealed in an interview with ABC News Studios that she felt guilty for not being present enough as a mother, and that her daughter's addiction struggles were a major source of heartache.
Fast-forward to Oprah's own life choices. Despite being in a long-term relationship with Stedman Graham since 1986, Oprah has always prioritized her career over motherhood. And it seems that Walters' experience played a significant role in shaping those decisions.
"You are a pioneer in your field and you are trying to break the mold, for yourself and for women who are going to follow you," Oprah said. "Something's going to have to give for that. And that is why I did not have children. I knew I could not do both well. Both are sacrifices."
Oprah also touched on the subject of needing to make sacrifices when it comes to both work and parenting, citing Walters' own experiences as a prime example.
"You are trying to be a pioneer, you're trying to break the mold, and at some point, something's going to have to give. And that is why I did not have children," Oprah said. "I knew I could not do both well. Both are sacrifices."
The Hulu documentary "Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything" is set to premiere on June 23, offering a glimpse into the life and career of one of journalism's most trailblazing figures. The film examines Walters' pivotal role in shaping the industry and her example for women looking to follow in her footsteps.
As for Oprah, she remains grateful for the lessons she learned from Walters' experiences.
"Without Barbara Walters there wouldn't have been me - nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news," Oprah said. "She was indeed a Trailblazer. I did my very first television audition with her in mind the whole time."
The Queen of Talk has previously opened up about not having kids and also not getting married, citing her focus on her career as the reason.
"I have not had one regret about that," Oprah said in an interview with The Scholarly Note. "Doing the Oprah show allowed me to see the depth of responsibility and sacrifice that is actually required to be a mother."
It's clear that Barbara Walters' life experiences played a significant role in shaping Oprah's own decisions, and we can't wait to dive deeper into their complex relationship when "Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything" premieres on Hulu.
