Coffee Talk: Oprah to Receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom

See what we’re chatting about over hot coffee:

• President Barack Obama has named the Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients. Each year, the president recognizes a select few Americans who have contributed greatly to society. This year, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton and Civil Rights pioneer Bayard Rustin are among the 16 set to receive the prestigious award. “The Presidential Medal of Freedom goes to men and women who have dedicated their own lives to enriching ours,” said Obama in a statement. “This year’s honorees have been blessed with extraordinary talent, but what sets them apart is their gift for sharing that talent with the world. It will be my honor to present them with a token of our nation’s gratitude.”

• When Beyoncé revealed her brand new short hairstyle yesterday, it left many wondering how did she get that perfect shade of blonde? According to Rita Hazan, the stylist who assisted, the color took exactly four hours to achieve. Hazan says she was careful not to damage Beyoncé’s hair in the process and she said it was important to leave the roots dark. [E! Online]

• Queen Latifah says don’t expect her to discuss her love life on her upcoming talk show. In fact, she will draw a very firm line about sharing aspects of her private life on public TV. “I don’t feel the need to discuss my private life on this show or on any show,” said Latifah. “There’s the part of my life that the public and I share together. And there’s the part that’s mine to keep for myself. And that’s mine. For me.” [Hollywood Reporter]

• Andre Leon Talley says he doesn’t worry about his weight and that it has never held him back professionally. “I do not weigh myself,” he told Vogue in its new September issue. “I do not want to get on that scale. I only know what I weigh from the way my clothes fit. The people who are really close to me and know me have stopped bringing my weight up.” Talley says they probably discuss it behind his back, but he’s never felt “less of a person” because of his size. [YBF]