John Tesh Reflects on His Relationship with Oprah Winfrey

John Tesh, Oprah Winfrey’s former boyfriend, recently shared that they used to poke fun at those who had issues with interracial relationships.

The two, who dated briefly in the 1970s while working at competing local TV stations in Nashville, Tennessee, faced certain societal challenges. “Back then, it was quite awkward for a very white man to be involved with an African-American woman,” Tesh, now 73, stated in a conversation with Page Six.

He acknowledged that their relationship was “unusual in the South,” a reality he was very much aware of, considering his family’s Southern roots.

Interestingly, they kept their relationship under wraps from family. “It turned into a sort of inside joke for both of us,” he explained. “We would work all day and then say, ‘Where do you want to go eat tonight, as if we were meeting for the first time each week?'”

Tesh reminisced about the occasional uncomfortable moments they faced due to prejudice, yet he fondly recalled that their bond was based on genuine friendship. From the start, it was evident Winfrey was destined for greatness. “We all recognized she was extraordinary,” he noted, expertly capturing a significant story felt enthusiastic about. “I thought, ‘This is going to be a lot of fun.’

When humorously asked if Winfrey was a good kisser, he replied, “That’s such a Page Six question! Growing up reading Page Six, I don’t remember, honestly.” He emphasized their closeness, mentioning, “We were really, really good friends.”

However, as their careers thrived, it eventually drove them apart. Winfrey relocated first to Baltimore, then to Chicago, while Tesh made his way to New York and Los Angeles, carving out a long-term position with “Entertainment Tonight.”

Tesh married Connie Sellecka in 1992, with whom he shares a daughter. Meanwhile, Winfrey has maintained a long-term relationship with Stedman Graham since 1986.

After leaving “ET” in 1996, Tesh focused on his music career, famously writing the iconic NBC Basketball theme song, “Roundball Rock.” He even performed it during the recent All-Star Game. His concerts have generated considerable funds for PBS.

He revealed that in a good year, he makes “low six figures” from his music, expressing gratitude toward sports executive Dick Ebersol for championing his theme song in 1990. “He said, ‘This is fantastic. Let’s use this and maybe one of your kids can go to college,’ and I agreed instantly!”

Beyond music, Tesh also hosts a radio show, “Intelligence for Your Life,” which airs on 350 stations nationwide.