From Rags To Riches: The Life And Times Of Oprah

Family Lost And Family Reunited

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Both of Oprah’s half-siblings died due to unfortunate circumstances. Her half-sister Patricia passed in 2003 as a result of a cocaine addiction, and her half-brother Jeffrey died in 1989 due to AIDS-related complications. While Oprah was never close with either sibling, both events would thrust Oprah’s personal life into the limelight.

Oprah lived without siblings for another 7 years until 2010, when both Oprah and America were shocked by the existence of her long-lost half-sister. Also named Patricia, Oprah’s mother gave birth to her in 1963 and put her up for adoption. Patricia lived her life not knowing she was related to one of the most powerful women in the world. Oprah introduced Patricia to the world on her show in 2010, and even attended her college graduation in 2017. At 56, Oprah finally had a stable relationship, a healthy family, and a successful show. Now it was time to give back.