Oprah has been with her partner, Stedman Graham, since 1986. The two aren't legally married, but are in a "spiritual union".
Oprah has said on more than one occasion that marriage was never discussed in their relationship. She tells Vogue, "Nobody believes it, but it’s true. The only time I brought it up was when I said to Stedman, ‘What would have happened if we had actually gotten married?’ And the answer is: ‘We wouldn’t be together.’ ... because marriage requires a different way of being in this world."
The two started dating in 1986, according to Essence. They rarely make public appearances together, but Graham has stood by Oprah's side for more than 30 years.
Graham was born in Whitesboro, New Jersey, and is one of six children. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in social work. The businessman then went on to earn his master's degree in 1979 from Ball State University.
Graham Is the Chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates
The Jersey native is the chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates, a Chicago-based management and marketing consulting firm that specializes in corporate and educational markets. The Huffington Post reports that he "delivers his leadership message throughout the country and globally to corporations, professional associations, government and civic organizations, colleges and universities, and community groups."
Graham has written 11 books. Two are New York Times Best Sellers: You Can Make It Happen: A Nine-Step Plan for Success and Teens Can Make It Happen: Nine Steps to Success.
According to his website, he also served in the US Army, and was a professional basketball player in the European League.
They Were Briefly Engaged but the Ceremony Never Happened
Stedman and Oprah were engaged in 1992 for a brief period of time. The actual proposal was, in the words of People, very "matter-of-fact." According to the outlet, Oprah was in Hartford, Connecticut, and was waiting to greet Graham, who was returning from Chicago that day. She went outside to meet him, and by the time she came back inside, he had proposed. People says that the proposal was so matter-of-fact, she wasn't sure if it was real. "'Is this the proposal?' she asked. 'I want you to marry me,' he said. 'I think it’s time.' Winfrey replied, 'Ah, that’s really great.' They set a wedding year—1993—but no date." The ceremony never occurred.
