In Mississippi, a young girl named Oprah Winfrey had a crush – not on a classmate, but on Paul McCartney. She collected Beatles cards, hung their poster on her bedroom wall, and would stand on her stairs every morning at 14, hoping he would think of her. He never did, or so she assumed.
Years later, Winfrey shared this story on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, in what she called a farewell visit. The anecdote was both funny and sweet, showcasing a different side of the media mogul.
Despite never hearing from McCartney, Winfrey eventually landed an interview with him. She couldn’t resist asking if he ever thought of her during those teenage mornings, to which he responded, “Every day, babe. Every day.”
The story only gets better. In December 2010, Winfrey and McCartney were honored at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in Washington, D.C. The evening drew luminaries like Julia Roberts and rock legends, with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama presiding over the event.
Seated next to McCartney during the ceremony, Winfrey got an unexpected moment when he reached over and held her hand during a performance of “Hey Jude.” It was a dream come true for the girl who once stood on her stairs yearning for his attention.
Though she never married him, Winfrey humorously acknowledged that holding hands with McCartney while a room full of stars sang his iconic song was close enough.
Appearing on The Late Show to celebrate Colbert’s finale, Winfrey shared insights on her own post-show life, noting that she is happier than ever. In a touching moment, she took over Colbert’s desk to interview him, showcasing the bond between two seasoned television hosts.
The girl who once daydreamed about Paul McCartney finally got her moment, even if it took over four decades.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.