Oprah Winfrey has strong feelings about relationship labels. During a Jan. 13 appearance on Ethan R. Coleman, she explained why she prefers the term “partner” over “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.”
At a Glance
- Oprah says “partner” signals a mature, stable relationship.
- She has used the term for decades with Stedman Graham.
- The conversation started after Timothée Chalamet called Kylie Jenner his “partner” at two recent award shows.
Why it matters: Oprah’s endorsement could influence how couples describe long-term commitments.
The moment came during TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. Co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones asked Oprah about a recent GQ article on men adopting “partner” for their girlfriends. The trend gained traction when Timothée Chalamet referred to Kylie Jenner as his “partner” while accepting an award at the Critics Choice Awards and again at the Golden Globes.
“You know why I like the word ‘partner’? Because it’s mature,” Oprah told the hosts. “It says that it’s a mature, it’s a stable relationship. It’s not just like ‘my girlfriend.’ ‘Cause you have a girlfriend when you’re 7, when you’re 10, when you’re 15. So ‘partner’ adds a level of maturity and responsibility.”
Sheinelle agreed, adding context. “So, if a guy says, ‘You know what? You’re my partner,’ that means ‘I’m riding with you.’ Like, ‘We’re in this.'”
Oprah nodded. “That means, yes, we’re in it together. There’s a partnership. … So I thought that was really good.”
Oprah’s Decade-Long Use of “Partner”
Oprah has called Stedman Graham her partner for years, long before the term became mainstream.
“Before it was a thing, you were calling each other ‘partner,'” Sheinelle noted.
“Yes, we’ve always used the word ‘partner,'” Oprah confirmed.
Jenna Bush Hager joked, “Of course she started it. She started everything. Oprah started the word ‘partner.’ How dare we!”
Oprah laughed and explained the practical side. After more than three decades together, standard labels feel off.
“After 20 years, you can’t say, ‘He’s my boyfriend.’ … And, also, once you get to a certain age, ‘He’s my boyfriend’ – No! ‘Partner’ is a much better word,” she said.
How the Label Caught Fire
The pop-culture moment started at the Critics Choice Awards. Accepting an accolade, Timothée Chalamet thanked “my partner” while naming Kylie Jenner. He repeated the phrasing days later at the Golden Globes, sparking headlines and social chatter.
GQ explored the shift in an article that landed on Oprah’s radar. The piece examined why heterosexual men increasingly favor “partner” over traditional terms. Oprah’s televised endorsement amplifies the conversation.
Why the Distinction Matters
Oprah argues language shapes perception. “Girlfriend” or “boyfriend” can sound transient, youthful, even casual. “Partner” conveys equality, longevity, and mutual responsibility.
She isn’t alone. Relationship counselors have noted the rise of “partner” among couples of all ages. The term sidesteps gender roles and implies teamwork rather than possession.
For Oprah and Stedman, the label fits a bond that has weathered decades in the public eye without marriage. They began dating in 1986 and got engaged in 1992, but ultimately chose not to wed. Oprah has said the decision preserved their dynamic rather than conforming to expectations.
Public Reaction and Social Buzz
The segment aired across time zones and quickly trended online. Viewers praised Oprah for articulating a sentiment many long-term couples share.
Tweets echoed her logic:
- “After 15 years together, ‘boyfriend’ feels silly. Partner it is.”
- “Oprah nailed it. Language evolves with commitment.”
Others credited her with normalizing the term years ago. Memes circulated of Oprah saying “You get a partner! Everybody gets a partner!”
The Broader Cultural Shift
Census data shows more adults cohabiting without marrying. As relationships stretch longer before marriage-or skip it entirely-language adapts. “Partner” offers neutrality and respect, qualities Oprah highlighted.
Marketing teams have noticed. Jewelry brands now run ads featuring “partner” instead of “fiancée.” Dating apps added “partner” to profile options. Corporate HR manuals use the term for inclusive policies.
Oprah’s megaphone accelerates the trend. A single sentence from her can move book sales, stock prices, and now, vocabulary.
Key Takeaways
- Oprah champions “partner” as a mark of adult commitment.
- She has used the term with Stedman Graham for decades.
- Celebrity usage, like Timothée Chalamet’s, fuels mainstream adoption.
- Language reflects evolving relationship norms beyond traditional marriage.
