You have to have a friend that tells you the bone marrow truth.
You can't be friends with someone who wants to be you. You have to want each other to be the best each can be.
[Best friend] Gayle and I have never had a big fight. We've been friends since our 20s. The only time she was jealous of me was when I got to sing with Tina Turner.
I was asked, if I wasn't with Stedman, would I marry Gayle?
I would not marry Gayle! I'd choose Salma Hayek. If I was going to have a girl crush it would be Salma. What a woman!
2. Why we should be proud of New Zealand
I've travelled to lots of places and in this part of the world, you get it right.
There is a sense of contentment here. The right level of ambition. And a connectedness to the earth. There is an understanding of that that I haven't seen elsewhere.
3. On work
I have never, never made a decision based on money. When you do what you intend to for love, good things come.
With my show, I would have done that show for nothing. The same with my magazine.
I worked 6am till 10.30 at night [on the show]. I lived at work. But for every day I was there, I was present. That's one of my great qualities, knowing how to be present.
4. What surprises Oprah
What I am surprised by is the kindness of people. And the ability of people to forgive.
And something I am moved by is my show's reach.
I was with Ngati Whatua yesterday and one of the women stood up and talked about all the wives who would watch the show.
Hearing some of you tell me that I raised you through your TV, when I hear stuff like that, I want to cry.
When I was doing my show, I'd always take the elevator ride to the main stage alone. And I'd say a prayer to God, "use me to speak to people".
But never thinking, never, that my prayer was reaching people in New Zealand.
5. On food
I'm on the points system. I carry my own bread around. And I love to share. I think food tastes better when you share it. You enjoy it more.
- nzherald.co.nz
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