Oprah Winfrey reveals truth behind iconic Ellen DeGeneres cover

Oprah Winfrey has turned up on one of the final ever episodes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show – and revealed the real story behind their viral 2009 collaboration.

Oprah Winfrey has appeared as one of the final guests on The Ellen DeGeneres show and made a confession about their iconic 2009 magazine shoot.

The talk show hosts appeared on the cover of Winfrey’s O magazine together in 2009, as a direct result of DeGeneres’ hilarious and high-profile campaign to do so.

The comedian, 64, was only the second person to appear alongside Winfrey on the cover, following on from then-first lady Michelle Obama, and the issue went on to become one of the biggest-selling in the magazine’s history.

However, speaking on one of DeGeneres’ final shows this week, Winfrey admitted she’d initially thought the whole thing was a gag.

“You know what, at first I thought you were just joking, I didn’t know you actually really wanted to do it,” she told DeGeneres. “And then you actually said ‘yes’, too!”

DeGeneres then chimed in, describing the experience as “so fun”.

The O Magazine cover in 2009 featuring the two talk show hosts. Picture: The Oprah Magazine

Winfrey also made a guest appearance on Ellen’s sitcom. Picture: ABC Photo Archives/Disney via Getty

In early 2009, Winfrey had surprised DeGeneres with a video call during The Oprah Winfrey Show, telling the shocked comedian that she was “calling to officially invite you on the cover of O”.

“I can’t believe you’re serious about this. I’m freaking out right now,” a stunned DeGeneres responded.

The iconic edition of the magazine was published in December that year.

During Winfrey’s emotional appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show this week, she also revealed her big regret around ending her own talk show in 2011.

“I want you to take some time off – some real time. Because you know what I did? I took a week off and then I went right back into work,” she told DeGeneres, referring to the fact that she launched the OWN Network shortly after her show ended.

“Take some time, OK? Do you hear me?”

DeGeneres agreed, but added that she planned to “buy some houses” during her break, as she and her wife Portia de Rossi like to flip houses.

“I have to keep working because I like to stay busy,” she told Winfrey.

Winfrey was one of the final guests on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

DeGeneres announced in May last year she was ending the series following toxic workplace allegations, including sexual misconduct.

A Warner Bros internal investigation following months of negative press led to the firings of top producers Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman in mid-2020.

The final episode – featuring Jennifer Aniston, Pink and Billie Eilish – has already been filmed and will air on Thursday in the US (Friday AEDT).

Originally published as Oprah Winfrey reveals truth behind iconic Ellen DeGeneres cover