Oprah Winfrey Celebrates Her 71st Birthday Reflecting on Her Childhood: 'Every Choice Defines the Greater Outcome'

Mar. 15, 2025

Oprah Winfrey poses backstage during the 35th GLAAD Media Awards - Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton on March 14, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.Photo:Michael Kovac/Getty

Michael Kovac/Getty

It’sOprah Winfrey’s birthday!

The iconic talk show host celebrated her 71st birthday on Wednesday, Jan. 29, with a lengthyInstagrampost. Reflecting on her upbringing, Winfrey encouraged her followers to appreciate all the things life has to offer.

“Those early years in rural Mississippi didn’t seem so miraculous at the time,” she continued. “Now I know, every breath, every choice defines the greater outcome. And I grew up loving trees and big skirts and books. I much later realized you don’t become what you want, not even your greatest desires. You become what you Believe.”

She concluded: “Thank you all for your kind birthday words of affirmation today, I feel them all. It’s my love language.”

Her friends also took to Instagram to honor her, withKerry Washingtonposting a photo of them with a confetti effect over it.

Oprah Winfrey is pictured laughing on her 71st birthday.Oprah/Instagram

Oprah/Instagram

“Happy Birthday to the QUEEN 👑. Love you so much @oprah ♥️♥️♥️,” she wrote over the screen.

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Holly Robinson Peeteand her husbandRodney Peeteposted for Winfrey as well,sharing a group photoof them withBarackandMichelle Obama.

“One of my favorite pics!🙏🏽#2007,” Robinson Peete said. “Happy birthday@oprah!! We hope you have an amazing day full of love and serenity! 💜🎊🎂#happybirthdayoprah#waybackwednesday”

FilmmakerAva DuVernayalso took to her Instagram Stories to pay tribute to Winfrey, writing: “Blessed and beautiful birthday to this light in the world. Happy 71st, dearest @oprah!”

source: people.com