The End of an Era: Oprah's Final Episode

In her 4,561^st day in front of a studio audience, Oprah Winfrey proved she’s still got it. The finale of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" was part preaching, part lecture and part conversation with your older sister.

The legend wanted to be sure her final sit down with fans was intimate and meaningful, and she succeeded. Her delivery was an uplifting and graceful farewell that only Oprah could pull off.

Today's studio audience was made up of guests who had never gotten a chance to see a taping of "The O Show." Winfrey graciously, and repeatedly, thanked her loyal viewers for loving her so much.

From her book club, and her “favorite things,” to her attention to the mistreatment of children and her “no phone zone,” Oprah’s followers listened to her and shared her word.

There were no guests on today’s show, Oprah was the only speaker during the 60-minute program. She did, however, show old video and poke fun at herself.

She joked about the early days when she had no followers, no stylist. She laughed about her fashion misses and outrageous hairstyles and reminisced about a more humble time.

During the episode she called her “love letter to her fans,” O encouraged viewers to continue to live out the lessons she had shared with them over her 25 years on TV. Included in her message were the following takeaways:

• "Live from the heart of yourself. You have to know what sparks the light in you so that you may, in turn, light up the world."


• "Nobody but you is responsible for your life. It doesn't matter what your mama did. It doesn't matter what your daddy didn't do. You are responsible for your life."


• "You will receive in direct proportion to how much you give."

We know that Oprah Winfrey is not actually leaving the television circuit and she will live to produce another day.

Check out exclusive photos of O and her posse leaving Harpo Studios yesterday in Chicago.

Thanks for 25 great years!