Stedman Graham doesn’t ‘define’ himself by relationship with Oprah

The businessman says that he is focused on his own development

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 05: Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham attend Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala at Tyler Perry Studios on October 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paul R. Giunta/Getty Images)

Stedman Graham has always been his own man, and now he’s letting it be known that he’s never seen himself as just Oprah Winfrey‘s partner.

Recently, the enigmatic businessman sat down to do an interview with The Kyle & Jackie O Show from Sydney, Australia. During the chat, Graham cleared up what he believes are misconceptions about him and his longtime partner, media mogul Winfrey.

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 22: Oprah Winfrey (L) and Stedman Graham onstage during the 87th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

“I’m defined a lot by my relationship with Oprah, but it has nothing to do with me. That’s how you define me! That’s not how I define myself,” he explained.

“Which is why I can maintain equality in a relationship with someone who is unbelievable because I’m not focused on their development as a way to equalize and create freedom. I’m focused on my own development. I’m developing a process of continuous improvement every day based on my skills, talents, abilities, purpose and passions. That’s what makes me happy.”

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He also noted why the couple has stayed together for the last 30 years.

“We think the same, we’re in the same business. The difference is, she does it in the air, I do it on the ground, so I’m grassroots,” he said.

“The thing about our relationship is I want the best for her,” he said of his choice to honor Winfrey’s decision not to get married.

The businessman added that he was “dedicated” to her happiness.

“I want her to be the best she can possibly be and she’s done a pretty good job of doing it. For me, I’ve been able to find my own happiness, and develop my own skills, my own talents, my own abilities and I’m satisfied with that,” he said.

“So, the combination, when you have a good partner that’s able to self-actualize their potential and you’re able to self-actualize yours, one and one equals about six.”


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