Iyanla Vanzant Finally Reveals the Real Reason She Left Oprah’s TV Show

Iyanla Vanzant, the celebrated life coach, spiritual teacher, and television personality, has been a guiding light for millions seeking personal growth and transformation.

Her journey in the public eye has been marked by profound wisdom, heartfelt honesty, and a deep commitment to helping others heal.

However, one of the most intriguing chapters of her career remains her unexpected departure from Oprah Winfrey’s television network, OWN.

For years, fans speculated about the real reasons behind her exit, and now, Iyanla is finally setting the record straight.

The Rise of ‘Iyanla: Fix My Life’

Iyanla Vanzant first captured the attention of audiences as a regular guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Her candid insights and no-nonsense approach to healing made her an audience favorite. Recognizing her unique ability to connect with people, Oprah Winfrey offered Iyanla her own show, Iyanla: Fix My Life, on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in 2012.

The show quickly became a flagship program for the network, with Vanzant helping guests confront their deepest wounds, unresolved trauma, and personal struggles.

From celebrities to everyday people, she worked tirelessly to guide individuals toward self-awareness and healing. Over the course of nearly a decade, the show gained a massive following, solidifying Iyanla’s status as one of the most influential voices in personal development.

The Unexpected End

Despite the show’s immense popularity, Iyanla Vanzant announced in 2020 that she was stepping away from Iyanla:

Fix My Life, much to the disappointment of her loyal viewers. At the time, she cited personal reasons, but now, in a recent candid interview, she has shared deeper insights into why she made the difficult decision to leave.

The Pressure of Being a Healer

In her latest revelations, Iyanla expressed that the emotional toll of the show had become overwhelming.

She explained that working as a life coach on such a public platform meant carrying the burdens of others’ pain and trauma on a daily basis.

“People think that because I am strong, I don’t feel the weight of what I do,” she shared.

“But the truth is, every story, every tear, and every struggle I witnessed stayed with me. It was emotionally exhausting.”

She emphasized that healing others is a sacred responsibility, and the intensity of the cases she dealt with on Iyanla: Fix My Life began to take a personal toll. “At some point, I had to acknowledge that I was depleting myself. I was carrying so much pain that wasn’t mine, and I knew I needed to take a step back.”

A Shift in Personal Priorities

Another significant factor in her decision was her own well-being. Iyanla, a woman of deep spirituality, has always advocated for self-care and balance.

However, the rigorous schedule of filming and the demands of being a public figure made it difficult for her to practice what she preached.

“I teach people about self-care, about setting boundaries, and about honoring themselves.

Yet, I found myself working non-stop, giving so much of myself that I had little left for me,” she admitted.

Additionally, she faced personal challenges, including the tragic loss of her daughter in 2003, which still deeply impacts her life.

While she has found ways to channel her grief into her work, she realized that she needed space to focus on her own healing.

Toxicity from Public Scrutiny

One of the more surprising reasons Iyanla revealed was the toxicity she experienced from the public.

As her show grew in popularity, so did the scrutiny and criticism. While she had always been open to constructive feedback, the relentless negativity from some viewers began to wear on her spirit.

“People started treating me like a punching bag. Some would attack me online, criticizing my methods or questioning my intentions. It became exhausting,” she said.

She explained that, despite her best efforts, some people misinterpreted her tough-love approach, accusing her of being harsh rather than helpful.

“I realized that no matter how much I gave, there would always be people who didn’t understand or appreciate the work I was doing. And I had to be okay with walking away.”

The Future of Iyanla Vanzant

Although Iyanla: Fix My Life has ended, Iyanla has made it clear that she is not done helping people.

She continues to write books, lead spiritual retreats, and offer personal coaching. Her goal now is to reach people in a more sustainable way, without the pressures of television.

“I’m still here. I’m still doing the work. But now, I’m doing it in a way that aligns with my soul’s peace,” she affirmed.

She is also focusing on mentoring the next generation of healers, encouraging others to step into the role of guiding people through their healing journeys.

“The world still needs healing, and I believe many are called to do this work. I want to empower them, just as Oprah empowered me.”

Iyanla and Oprah: Where Do They Stand?

One lingering question many have had is whether her departure from OWN caused any rift between her and Oprah Winfrey

. However, Iyanla was quick to put those rumors to rest.

“Oprah and I have always had a deep respect for each other. She gave me an incredible opportunity, and I will always be grateful,” she stated.

“There’s nothing but love between us. Sometimes, you just have to make choices for yourself.”

Winfrey herself has also publicly expressed gratitude for Iyanla’s contributions, acknowledging her impact and wishing her well in her journey beyond the show.

Lessons from Iyanla’s Departure

Iyanla Vanzant’s decision to leave Iyanla: Fix My Life serves as a powerful lesson in self-care, boundaries, and recognizing when it’s time to move on.

Her story is a reminder that even the strongest among us need to prioritize their well-being.

As she embarks on the next chapter of her life, one thing is certain: Iyanla Vanzant’s legacy as a healer, teacher, and spiritual guide is far from over.

She continues to inspire millions, proving that true strength comes from knowing when to step back and honor oneself.

For fans who have followed her journey, this is not a goodbye—it’s simply a new beginning.