Media personality Oprah Winfrey has shared that the late Barbara Walters played a significant role in her decision not to have children.
In an upcoming Hulu documentary titled Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything, Winfrey delved into the intricate relationship between Walters and her adopted daughter, Jacqueline. She discussed how this relationship profoundly influenced her own perspectives on motherhood.
Walters, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 93, adopted Jacqueline in 1968 with her then-husband, Lee Guber. However, their relationship was often strained, with Jacqueline even running away from home for a month as a teenager.
Winfrey recalled a conversation with Walters where the latter encouraged her to consider having children. Walters expressed her belief that motherhood was the most fulfilling experience and urged Winfrey to seriously consider it. Despite Walters’ encouragement, Winfrey firmly declined, stating, “Okay, but I’m looking at you, so… no.”
Winfrey described Walters’ relationship with her daughter as “complex” and “charged,” emphasizing that it was one of the primary reasons behind her decision not to have children.
Reflecting on the balance between career and family, Oprah explained: “When you’re a pioneer in your field and breaking molds for yourself and others, something has to give. I knew I couldn’t do both well. Both paths require sacrifice.”
She continued, “That’s why I didn’t have children. I didn’t want to half-do either. Barbara never let anyone else take the big stories. She was relentless.”
Walters, a trailblazing journalist, had a remarkable career spanning decades. In 1974, she made history as the first female co-host of a U.S. news show, interviewing world leaders, celebrities, and controversial figures like Fidel Castro, Monica Lewinsky, Barbra Streisand, and U.S. presidents.
Despite her professional success, Walters faced challenges at home. In a documentary, she reflected on becoming a mother after three miscarriages, expressing gratitude for her daughter, Jacqueline, saying, “My world came together when she was born.” However, as Jacqueline grew older, their bond strained.
Barbara admitted feeling guilty, realizing the difficulties Jacqueline faced as a celebrity’s daughter. Jacqueline struggled with drug addiction and feelings of abandonment. Walters revealed that Jacqueline had taken “almost any pills she could swallow.”
A close friend, Cynthia McFadden, shared that Barbara later acknowledged her parenting mistakes, acknowledging that the relationship had been shaky at times.
In a past interview, Jacqueline described sneaking out to clubs like Studio 54 and experimenting with drugs. She confessed, “I’m lucky I didn’t die,” citing the trauma of adoption and feeling disconnected from her mother’s world as triggers for her addiction.
Throughout their careers, Oprah and Walters shared a close friendship. After Walters’ passing, Oprah paid tribute to her legacy, stating, “Without Barbara Walters, there wouldn’t have been me—or any other woman you see on morning, evening, or daily news. She was a trailblazer.”
Winfrey expressed gratitude for knowing Walters, following in her light, and having her as a powerful role model.
Oprah has openly spoken about her decision not to marry or have children. She has been in a long-term relationship with Stedman Graham since 1986. In an interview with People magazine, she once said, “I’ve never had one regret about that.”
The Hulu documentary, titled “Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything,” premieres on June 23. This documentary delves into Walters’ pioneering role in journalism and her enduring influence on women in the industry.
Discover more from Niyi Daram
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
