Oprah Winfrey missed out on some book club fun after a stomach illness landed the media mogul in the emergency room.
Winfrey, who revealed Tuesday that “Familiaris” by David Wroblewski is the latest selection for Oprah’s Book Club, was forced to sit out an interview with Wroblewski on “CBS Mornings” due to a recent case of gastroenteritis. The digestive infection, caused by inflammation of the stomach and intestine, is characterized by symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to Cleveland Clinic.
“Ms. Winfrey is recovering following a stomach virus and received an IV due to dehydration at the recommendation of her doctor,” a representative for Winfrey told USA TODAY in an emailed statement Tuesday. “She is resting and feeling better every day.”
Winfrey’s longtime friend and “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King opened up about the talk show icon’s “very serious” illness during her interview with Wroblewski.
“She had some kind of stomach thing — stomach flu — stuff was coming out of both ends,” King said. “I won’t get too graphic. But needless to say, she ended up in the hospital (with) dehydration (and) had to get an IV.”
King added: “She will be OK. I hope she’s not mad at me for sharing that detail.”
In a video call with King shared on Instagram, Winfrey explained she sought hospital care because she “couldn’t keep enough water down” to stay hydrated.
But the former “Oprah Winfrey Show” host remained optimistic about her condition. “I’m on my way to 100,” she said.
Winfrey’s book club pick “Familiaris” serves as the follow-up to Wroblewski’s 2008 debut “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle,” which was also highlighted by Oprah’s Book Club.
Winfrey said the “epic novel” goes on a journey that “brilliantly interweaves history, philosophy, adventure and mysticism to explore the meaning of love, friendship and living your life’s true purpose.”