Sally Jessy Raphael Celebrates 90 in Style with Global Travels and a Nod to Vintage Tech

In 2025, Sally Jessy Raphael celebrated her 90th birthday with a global journey alongside her dearest companions.

Over two decades following the conclusion of The Sally Jessy Raphael Show, the iconic television personality appeared to be more active than ever, exploring popular destinations in France and Italy to commemorate her significant birthday in February 2025.

That September, Raphael extended an invitation to her devoted followers — affectionately known as her “Raphaelites” — to join her on a trip through Italy, where she visited Tuscany’s renowned Livorno Cathedral and explored ancient Roman ruins.

Beyond her explorations of historical structures, the Daytime Emmy Award recipient discovered a piece of technology in Rome that now appears quite antiquated.

“You probably didn't imagine pay phones were still around… yet I encountered one right here in Rome,” she comically shared with her Instagram audience.

Earlier that year, Raphael journeyed to her “most cherished city,” Paris, with two of her closest friends, returning to some of her “familiar spots” to celebrate her 90th year.

“I'm not revealing what they are, as then everyone would know my secret places,” she quipped to People in May. “However, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We visited a couple of museums and didn't do much shopping. I was accompanied by two women. Realistically, I should have traveled with a man for a romantic experience, but going with two women was perfectly fine.”

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During the same discussion, Raphael commented on challenging common perceptions of what turning 90 entails.

“It's quite fascinating to be 90, as people will tell you that you appear youthful if you color your hair and your legs are vein-free," she remarked. "And while it's pleasant to hear, I don't quite grasp why appearing young is considered a compliment when you can proudly state you're 90, yet they perceive it as such."

The former presenter continued, “I believe it relates to the term 'cute.' You're considered cute in your youth, then for an extended period, you're not. But once you reach 80 or 90, you become cute once more. People often say, 'Look at that cute old lady,' so I suppose I've regained my cuteness."

Raphael served as a prominent figure on daytime television for almost two decades before departing from The Sally Jessy Raphael Show in May 2002. Initially, Sally addressed societal concerns such as racism and sorrow, but by the time Raphael concluded her hosting duties, the daytime program had adopted the "Trash TV" style popularized by Jerry Springer.

“My final years hosting those shows in the vein of Maury Povich and Jerry Springer? I detested them,” she confessed in 2016. “Some producers deceived me into pursuing that direction. Reflecting on it, I realize I should have been more assertive in defending what I knew was correct — what I genuinely did not wish to do.”

Naturally, the presenter occasionally sports her distinctive red eyeglasses in her social media updates. Raphael revealed that this famous accessory became part of her look for a highly practical purpose early in her professional life.

“I couldn't properly read the teleprompter," Raphael clarified in 2010. "Consequently, I noticed an advertisement that stated, 'We offer Pap smears and provide you with red glasses.'"

When it appeared the medical clinic attempted to persuade Raphael to purchase a costlier pair of frames during her visit, she stood firm on her decision.

“They intended to upgrade me [to a more premium pair]," she remembered. "I responded: 'You won't be upgrading me. I don't possess that amount of funds.' [The red frames] were the only option available for $19.95."

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Outside of her television career, Raphael was wed to her initial husband, Andrew Vladimir, between 1956 and 1963, and subsequently to her manager, Karl Soderlund, from 1963 until his passing in 2020. Soderlund and Raphael had four children together.

In August 2021, Raphael marked the first year since Soderlund's death by posting a heartfelt homage on Facebook.

“I'm visiting my deceased husband Karl on the first anniversary of his demise,” she wrote alongside an image of his headstone. “It's often said that time mends all sorrows, yet I find myself missing him increasingly with each passing day.”

Currently, Raphael continues to make frequent media appearances, alongside her international trips. Her characteristic humor was prominently displayed in August 2025 within a collection of humorous short essays for New York Magazine, focusing on her preferred domestic items.

Detailing her affection for black Sharpie markers, she stated: “Being a New Yorker, I own numerous black garments and handbags. Their corners frequently show signs of use. Therefore, I employ a black permanent Sharpie. I utilize it for all my handbags, and also for the television when a pixel appears faded. I apply it to virtually anything.”

“I neither consume alcohol nor smoke. Consequently, Cherry Coke Zero serves as my stimulant,” she revealed concerning the sugar-free soft drink. “While everyone else is ordering cocktails, wine, and dirty martinis, I opt for a Cherry Coke Zero.”

Raphael acknowledged, “And I suppose it’s not beneficial for your health. But do you know what? When I consulted my physician, he remarked, ‘Sally, you are 90 years old. If consuming soda impacts your liver or kidneys, what truly matters?’ There arrives a stage in life where dietary choices aren't solely for health benefits. That is why I consume Cherry Coke Zero, and should it not be available at a bar, I request that they add maraschino cherry juice to a regular Coke.”

Raphael's followers on social media can anticipate a wealth of travel photographs from her worldwide adventures and many more Cherry Coke Zeros in the upcoming years.