Oprah Winfrey to Go Without Party for 70th Birthday: Here’s Why
(Arturo Holmes / Getty Images for Essence)
On the significant occasion of her 70th birthday, Oprah Winfrey, a name synonymous with grand celebrations and exuberant festivities, has chosen a path of introspection and simplicity. Contrary to her well-established penchant for hosting extravagant gatherings, the esteemed media icon has decided to forgo a lavish celebration in favor of a more subdued and reflective commemoration of this milestone.
A spokesperson for Winfrey conveyed to Entertainment Tonight that the erstwhile daytime talk show luminary would not be indulging in any opulent celebrations to mark her 70th year. Delving deeper into her decision, Winfrey shared her thoughts and the journey to this resolution in a heartfelt essay published on Oprah Daily.
In her reflective piece, Winfrey revealed the immense pressure she felt from friends to mark the occasion with a significant event, be it a grand dinner, a festive party, a rejuvenating retreat to a spa, or an adventurous hike. She even considered the idea of a spiritual journey to Nepal for meditation. However, it was the sage advice of a friend, Wintley, that resonated with her the most.
He counseled, “You’re too blessed to stress. Savor the fragrances of your extraordinary life.” This advice reminded Winfrey of the poignant closing lines of Derek Walcott’s beloved poem “Love After Love,” which speaks to the act of feasting on one’s life. Heeding this counsel, Winfrey embarked on a personal journey through her past, immersing herself in old journals, photographs, and memory boxes.
This process of feasting, savoring, and marveling at the tapestry of experiences that have shaped her into the woman she is today has been her chosen form of celebration. As she stands on the cusp of a new year, the producer of “The Color Purple” shared with her readers a contemplation on the transient nature of time. In her musings, she expressed a deep appreciation for the realization that with age comes an acute awareness of time’s fleeting passage.
The number seventy, she noted, serves as a stark reminder that the years ahead are likely fewer than those that have passed. Yet, she finds immense satisfaction in acknowledging that every sunrise she has witnessed has been worthwhile, regardless of how many more she has left to see.
In a gesture that underscores her message of embracing simplicity and health, Winfrey also took to Instagram to share a moment of her birthday celebration. She posted a video capturing the joy of a morning run on the beach alongside her trainer and dog, accompanied by a caption that reflected her gratitude for health and the outpouring of birthday wishes: “Celebrating 70 with a run on the beach. #healthisthebestgift. Thank you for all the birthday love.”
Through these acts and reflections, Oprah Winfrey demonstrates a graceful acceptance of the passage of time and a celebration of life that transcends conventional fanfare, focusing instead on the richness of personal history and the beauty of living fully in each moment.
