Oprah Winfrey is getting her flowers while she's still here! The media mogul has a new Smithsonian exhibit that chronicles her contributions to the culture and it's everything! More inside...
How many people alive get their own museum exhibit? We have one good answer: OPRAH!
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture opened a new exhibit, “Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture," which explores Oprah Winfrey's legacy as a media mogul and cultural icon.
There's no denying Lady O's black excellence.
She went from a poor black child born in 1954, to the biggest daytime talk show host on the planet, to the nation's first self-made black woman billionaire! And the exhibit explores ever facet of her life. Oprah has inspired, motivated and helped millions of people throughout the 25 years she hosted "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and she totally changed the talk show game.
Before the exhibit was open to the public, Oprah did a walk through with her bestie/"CBS This Morning" co-host Gayle King and museum director Lonnie Bunch.
“I do believe that we had a big impact on the culture, and I continue to feel that from people every day,” she said on "CBS This Morning."
The viewing was an emotional one for Lady O as she explored so many monumental moments during her life and career.
Oprah has always championed the African-American History museum, donating millions of dollars as it was being developed, but museum director Lonnie Bunch said the donation did not influence the creation of the showcase.
“This is not a show for Oprah or by Oprah,” he said. “This is a show about other issues using the lens of Oprah.”
The OWN Network honcho looked at old television clips as a news anchor, her first talk show episode, old diary entries and more.
"Seeing everything under one roof brought tears to my eyes. Thanks Lonnie Bunch for giving @gayleking and I a sneak peek of “Watching Oprah.” It’s surreal," she captioned on Instagram.
Aww! Her dad Vernon Winfrey got the chance to see her exhibit.
Peep the emotional walk through below:
After viewing the exhibit...
Oprah and Gayle got glammed up and were front and center for the exhibit's opening. Before making their entrance, the besties got ready together and snapped a fun video with director Ava DuVernay:
Goals.
During her 25 years on daytime television, Oprah said her "supportive man" Stedman Graham never once complained about her long days at the office. They hugged when Stedman popped up on the screen and it was super cute:
During the event, Lady O hit the stage and preached a WORD. Get into it below:
This is my friend. A true living legend. She created a space on American television that, for 25 years, changed what we talked about, shifted culture + politics, explored how we felt deep inside the quiet of our hearts. She’s one of a kind. And her exhibit at @NMAAHC is too. pic.twitter.com/qVdMAxj69I
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) June 8, 2018
Then, the afterparty!
Comedian Dave Chapelle was in the mix where he saluted Oprah for everything she has contributed to the culture. He made it known that he was privileged to have witness her accomplishments and he was also honored to be standing that close to her without having to answer any questions. HA!
Check it below:
After everyone paid tribute to Oprah, it was time to do it big! And Lady O got it in on the dance floor:
#SaturdayMorning inspiration#CelebrateLife
Oprah dancing and Ava Duvernay cheering her friend
Ava pic.twitter.com/aYSoSEkgEJ— AvaDuVernay Fans (@avaduvernayfans) June 9, 2018
Get it!
“Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture" is now open to view at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Congrats OPRAH! If you haven't been to the museum yet, this is another good reason to make your way there. And if you have, here's another good reason to go back!
Photos: CBS News/Oprah's IG/O Magazine's IG/Gayle's IG
