Oprah Winfrey has thanked fans for their “kind words” after her mother, Vernita Lee, died at the age of 83.
Winfrey posted a picture on Instagram of herself and her mother at a family gathering.
She said: “Thank you all for your kind words and condolences regarding my mother Vernita Lee’s passing. It gives our family great comfort knowing she lived a good life and is now at Peace.”
A family spokesperson said Lee had died at her Milwaukee home on 22 November, the same day as Thanksgiving, and that private funeral services had already been held.
No other details were given.
Vernita Lee was a teenager when she gave birth to Winfrey in 1954.
The future billionaire lived with her grandmother until she was six before moving to Milwaukee to join her mother who was working as a maid.
Lee featured on her daughter’s show in 1990, getting a makeover.
She is survived by another daughter, Patricia Amanda, and four grandchildren. She had two other children, Jeffrey and Patricia, who died before her. SkyNews
