NEW YORK — Oprah Winfrey has unveiled the latest addition to her renowned book club: a memoir by her long-time friend and personal inspiration, Tina Knowles. The memoir, titled “Matriarch,” was released this week.
Winfrey made the special announcement on Tuesday, revealing her choice of Knowles’ book. To commemorate the occasion, an interview between Winfrey and Knowles was filmed at a Starbucks in Chicago and is available on Winfrey’s YouTube channel.
“Many of you may recognize Tina Knowles as the mother of a global sensation – Beyoncé – but she has carved out her own identity as a thriving entrepreneur, fashion designer, philanthropist, and now as a memoirist chronicling her compelling journey,” Winfrey shared in a statement. She also emphasized the influence that the women in Knowles’ life had in empowering her, a theme explored deeply in the memoir, and how this legacy of strength helped her in raising her own daughters to be strong and accomplished women.
Winfrey has been known for delivering book club news in surprising ways often making appearances in unexpected settings, including interrupting a Zoom meeting. Knowles shared her experience of the surprise revelation, initially being informed that a printing company representative was on the line, only to find Winfrey on the other end. In an interview conducted on Tuesday, she described Winfrey’s approval as “a dream come true,” acknowledging it as the pinnacle of endorsements.
Reflecting on her past experiences with Winfrey, Knowles recalled appearing on Winfrey’s popular talk show back in 2002. She was part of a guest panel that included her daughter and other members of Destiny’s Child, a moment Winfrey insisted she join despite her reluctance. “I was hidden away, with my hair undone and no makeup at all,” she recounted, laughing at her initial hesitation to appear. “But I went on, and it marked my first experience on such a prominent platform. My voice was trembling with nerves, but it was a moment that helped me conquer that fear.”