Iconic Talk Show Host Sally Jessy Raphael, 90, Appears Unrecognizable in Rare Photos After Her Retirement

Ayesha Muhammad Jul 30, 2025 10:15 A.M.

Decades after leaving television, the retired TV anchor is turning heads again — this time through rare Instagram photos showing her enjoying oysters in New England and relaxing aboard a sailboat, far from the studio lights she once commanded.

Sally Jessy Raphael, the former talk show host known for her trademark red glasses and decades-long career in daytime television, recently shared new photos that sparked a wave of reactions from fans. At 90 years old, Raphael made a rare appearance on Instagram, offering a glimpse into her retired life.

In a post dated July 25, 2025, Raphael was pictured aboard a sailboat. She wore a black-and-white patterned dress paired with dark sandals. Her signature red hair was partially covered with a colorful scarf, and she sported oversized sunglasses.

The photo captured a relaxed moment at sea, with musicians playing live instruments in the background. The caption read, “Happy Friday, Raphaelites! I’m serving you sailboat vibes.”

In another post from July 16, Raphael was seen enjoying a plate of oysters at a restaurant in New England. She wore a patterned top, accessorized with a turquoise necklace and gold earrings.

Holding an oyster near her mouth, she appeared mid-bite. The caption jokingly stated, “In New England enjoying some oysters… aren’t these supposed to be an aphrodisiac?!”

Reactions to her posts were swift and mixed, with several followers sharing candid comments. One person wrote, “I never would have recognized her.”

Another commented, “You look Marvelous [sic]!” A different commenter added, “Time to change the hair and color [sic].” Others simply reacted with brief remarks like “OMG” and “Is that the Duchess of York?”

Raphael, who rose to prominence in the 1980s with her nationally syndicated talk show, has largely stayed out of the public eye since her retirement. These recent photos mark a rare and personal update from the veteran broadcaster, who still connects with her fans through social media.

Though her appearance has evolved with time, the former talk show host continues to share glimpses of her life, reminding followers of her lasting presence.

In reflecting on her long career, Raphael’s talk show came to an end in 2002 after a 19-year run. “She really wanted to make it to her 20th anniversary,” a friend said at the time.

However, producers informed her in a phone call that the show would be canceled the following month. At the time of its cancellation, “Sally” held the record as the longest-running syndicated talk show on television.

The decision came after WNBC/Ch. 4 dropped the show from its lineup, removing it from the key New York market.

“The show has shown a steady decline in ratings — that’s obvious,” mentioned Studios USA president Steve Rosenberg. “We were all hoping, clinging on to the idea that maybe the next [ratings] book would be the one to stabilize the show. But that just never happened.”

Changes to the set, format, and producers had been made in hopes of boosting ratings, but they proved unsuccessful.

Speaking to The Post, Raphael expressed her disappointment. “Steve Rosenberg, president of Studios USA, called at home to say I’m through. No explanation. No warning. Just plain told me it’s over April 25, one week and one month short of my 20th year. I don’t even get that milestone.”

Despite the abrupt ending, she stated, “It has been important to me to tackle topics that are meaningful and in good taste… It has been a real privilege to have the opportunity to be in so many homes for such a long time.”

The show, which began as a local program in St. Louis in 1983, quickly gained national attention and became a staple of daytime television.

Raphael’s media career began much earlier, with roles as a foreign correspondent for UPI and AP in Europe and Central America, and later as a TV personality in Puerto Rico. She also hosted a nighttime radio program on NBC and ABC radio networks before moving to television.

Today, Raphael continues to reflect on her journey. In a May 2025 interview with People magazine marking her 90th birthday, she described a recent trip to Paris with close friends.

“We went to Paris, my favorite city. And I went to my old haunts. I won’t tell you what they are because then they’d be everybody’s old haunts,” she said with a laugh.

The trip was part of a celebration of her milestone birthday. “We went to two or three museums and not much shopping. I was with two women. Actually, I should have gone with a man because it’s romantic, but I went with two women. So it was good,” she divulged.

She also shared thoughts on aging and appearance. “It’s really interesting being 90 because if you dye your hair and you don’t have any veins in your legs, then people say you look young. And that’s always nice that people say, although why they think looking young when you can claim 90 is beyond me, but they think it’s a compliment.”

Acknowledging the shift in how age is perceived, she added, “I think that it has to do with the word ‘cute.’ You’re cute when you’re young, and then for a long time, you’re not cute. And then when you get to be 80 or 90, you’re cute again. People always say, ‘That cute old lady,’ so I guess I’m cute again.”

From television icon to world traveler, Raphael continues to navigate life with candor and resilience — offering rare glimpses that bring fans back to the woman who once filled their screens.

1980

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Sally Jessy Raphael gears up with a bat and a bold “Admiral Sally” cap before a charity softball game in New York City, circa 1980.

1988

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Sally Jessy Raphael arrives at the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Luncheon at the Copacabana in New York City on June 2, 1988, sporting her signature red eyeglasses and a striking cobalt blue outfit.

1989

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Sally Jessy Raphael beams with pride while holding up her Emmy at the 16th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, held at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City on June 29, 1989. Her signature red glasses and black-and-white ensemble complete the celebratory look.

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Sally Jessy Raphael poses among elegant garments at The Promise Ball benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, held at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City on November 11, 1989. Her sequined, multicolored top and signature red glasses add sparkle to the charitable evening.

1991

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Sally Jessy Raphael and her husband, Karl Soderlund, attend The Promise Ball benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City on November 9, 1991. The couple appears in coordinated formalwear, with Raphael in a dazzling studded black gown and circular eyeglasses.

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Sally Jessy Raphael addresses her studio audience during the taping of “The Sally Jessy Raphael Show” in Los Angeles on September 9, 1991. Dressed in a black and yellow suit with pearl accessories, she holds cue cards while wearing her signature red-rimmed glasses.

1992

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Sally Jessy Raphael and her husband, Karl Soderlund, attend the First Annual Joan Rivers Oscar Night Party at San Domenico in New York City on March 30, 1992. Raphael wears a bold red skirt suit with gold accents and her signature red glasses, standing beside Soderlund in a classic dark suit and tie.

1993

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Sally Jessy Raphael steps out of a car ahead of a taping of “The Sally Jessy Raphael Show” at Unitel Studios in New York City on April 12, 1993. Dressed in a pale lavender suit with gold accessories and her trademark red glasses, the talk show host exudes poise and professionalism.

1994

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Sally Jessy Raphael and her husband, Karl Soderlund, attend the Art Against AIDS IV Benefit Auction at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, on April 10, 1994. Raphael wears a crisp white pantsuit with crystal buttons and her iconic red glasses, while Soderlund stands beside her in a colorful tie and dark suit.

1995

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Sally Jessy Raphael and her husband, Karl Soderlund, attend the CORE Ambassadorial Reception Awards Dinner “Living the Dream” at the Sheraton Hotel in New York City on January 16, 1995. Raphael stands out in a shimmering gold ensemble and signature red frames, while Soderlund opts for a classic tuxedo with a bow tie.

1996

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Sally Jessy Raphael and her husband, Karl Soderlund, attend the 24th Annual FiFi Fragrance Foundation Awards at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, New York City, on June 4, 1996. The couple holds hands as Raphael stuns in a sleek black gown with satin lapels and lace detail, while Soderlund dons a sharp tuxedo and white bow tie.

1997

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Sally Jessy Raphael attends the Third Annual Red Ball Benefit for the Children’s Advocacy Center at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on February 11, 1997. Dressed in a richly textured red and gold ensemble with her signature red glasses, the talk show host embraces

2001

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Sally Jessy Raphael attends the premiere of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City on November 11, 2001. She wears a silver patterned jacket with her iconic red glasses and a gemstone necklace for the magical movie debut.

2002

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Sally Jessy Raphael appears at a press conference in New York City on November 12, 2002, after filing a libel suit against American Media over a story published in The National Enquirer. Wearing a pinstripe blazer and her signature red glasses, the talk show host stands with arms crossed in a firm stance.

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Sally Jessy Raphael is spotted walking along Madison Avenue after a shopping trip to Barneys department store in New York City on December 27, 2002. Dressed in a bold animal-print coat with leather accents, she carries shopping bags and a red handbag through the snowy street.

2003

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Sally Jessy Raphael and her husband, Karl Soderlund, sit front row at the Marc Jacobs Fall 2003 show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the New York State Armory. Dressed in layered neutrals and holding show programs, the couple watches the runway amid the high-fashion buzz.

2012

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Sally Jessy Raphael walks the red carpet at the premiere of “Évocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie” during the Tribeca Film Festival, held at Clearview Chelsea Cinemas in New York City on April 19, 2012. Dressed in all black with a statement necklace and her iconic red glasses, Raphael makes a rare public appearance.

2013

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Sally Jessy Raphael attends the VIP reception and viewing for “The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk” at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City’s Brooklyn borough on October 23, 2013. She pairs her signature red glasses with a bold gold-buckled belt and a shimmering violet skirt.

2017

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Sally Jessy Raphael poses with Executive Director Margaret Fontana during an award dinner at the Garden State Film Festival, held at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on April 2, 2017. Raphael, holding a crystal award, wears a vibrant fringe-trimmed top paired with her signature red glasses.