A girl born into poverty, raised by a strict grandmother, and forced to endure harsh circumstances might have seemed destined for hardship. But she defied the odds stacked against her, making a mark on the world in ways few could have imagined.
Born in rural Mississippi, this young girl’s life was shaped by the struggles of her early years. Her mother gave birth to her at just 17, with no formal education, no job training, and no clear path forward.
The family lived without running water, relying on a well for their needs, adding to their daily challenges. This was a time of physical and emotional trials, which would later shape her deeply.
It wasn’t her teenage mother who brought her up. Her grandmother, a maid and domestic worker, left the deepest mark on her upbringing. Through tough love, she instilled a sense of discipline, though the environment was far from nurturing.
Growing up on a farm in Mississippi, the girl was expected to follow a rigid set of rules. She often recalled the harsh punishments, including beatings for even minor infractions, such as playing with water on her way back from the well.
These incidents left lasting physical and emotional marks. One particular memory involved being whipped so severely that one of the welts on her back bled through her dress as she prepared for church.
This kind of punishment was common, and she was expected to endure it without complaint. Her grandmother believed in tough love, which was typical of the time and environment. These formative experiences would later shape her empathy for others who faced similar hardships.
Additionally, her grandfather’s dementia cast a long shadow over her childhood. She often felt unsafe, especially at night. One terrifying incident remains etched in her memory. She woke up one night to find her grandfather’s hands around her grandmother’s neck.
Her grandmother managed to push him off and escape, but the fear lingered. From that night on, they slept with a chair under the doorknob and tin cans around it, a makeshift alarm system to alert them of any danger.
The girl, now all-grown, is pictured on January 24, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
This constant state of alertness left her feeling perpetually unsafe and contributed to her resilience and vigilance. As if that wasn’t enough, she was raped by her uncle years later, which resulted in a pregnancy when she was 14. She never got to have the baby as she miscarried, but the experience was traumatic for her.
The girl seen on January 24, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Finding Healing Through Work
Despite the overwhelming pain she endured during her childhood and teenage years, she discovered a way to transform her trauma into something powerful. As she grew older and began her career, she found that her life’s work allowed her to confront these difficult experiences head-on.
The now-grown girl speaks at a podium early during her career, January 20, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Hosting her talk show became a form of therapy for her and many of her viewers. Her ability to openly discuss challenging topics, such as abuse and trauma, resonated with millions. She once shared that her show provided a platform for healing, not just for herself but for others who had gone through similar experiences.
A portrait of the then-co-anchor on June 26, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Through these conversations, she found that sharing her story could help others find solace in their struggles. Her work was more than a job — it became a mission to help others by giving voice to the struggles she had once endured in silence.
The show host on April 14, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Faith was also a pillar that helped her endure the pain. Although her grandmother was strict and didn’t show affection, she passed down a belief system that gave the young girl hope. “She did give me Jesus,” she once shared, adding that this faith gave her a sense of something larger than herself to believe in.
The show host pictured on March 13, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Through her struggles, faith became a source of inner strength that helped her overcome the darkest moments of her life. “I am grateful for that,” she said. This faith would remain a constant in her life, guiding her through her career and personal growth.