She said her relationship with them is "fine." She made a point of how she "retired" them (enabled them to retire) and that she makes sure they don't want for anything. But she says she's not the kind of daughter who calls home every week. I wonder which her parents would prefer, her presence in their lives, or what she can buy them? Maybe they aren't nice people, but it seems like there's issues there she hasn't resolved. For the queen of "self-help" who seems to delight in getting her talk-show guests to discuss the most personal, painful experiences, it seems kind of odd that it's so difficult for her to discuss her own.
I'm trying to like Oprah. But I don't believe her. Her description of her relationship with Stedman: It's like her discussion of her parents. She chooses her words so carefully -- speaks so slowly compared to when she's discussing other topics. If she doesn't want to talk about her personal life, why go on the show? If it's to plug her new network, why not have the personal topics declared off limits? She's Oprah, she has the power to set whatever terms she wants.
My favorite line: when she mentioned "the thousands of hours of therapy I didn't have and don't need." Is there anyone in Oprah's universe who can't benefit from therapy?
Really one of the most uncomfortable interviews (from a viewer standpoint) I've seen. Which is a shame. She's probably one of the biggest philanthropists ever. I think giving is what she's best at, whether its giving people a platform and exposure or financial help and gifts. I wish the interview had focused more on the good she's done in those areas, and less about her. Her personal life is just not ready for prime time exposure. Of all people, you would think she knows that.
Update: From the comments below, it appears Oprah didn't have the kind of parents growing up one would want to be close to, and ABC's lighting crew is at fault.