U.S. television star Oprah Winfrey, 57, ended her popular talk show's 25-year run today, becoming emotional as she told viewers around the world that they and the program have been "the great love" of her life.
Following a two-day star-studded event on Monday and Tuesday that paid tribute to the celebrity—with appearances by everyone from Aretha Franklin to Tom Cruise to Madonna—today's show featured Winfrey alone on stage, reminiscing about life lessons.
She said her one regret was that she hasn't been able to bring enough attention to the sexual molestation and rape of children—even though she's tried.
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Winfrey added that one of the proudest moments in the history of the show was when her friend Tyler Perry gave his own testimony of abuse on the show.
She talked on her final show a lot about God, growing weepy when she talked about her start in life as a lonely little girl growing up in rural Mississippi.
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"There are no coincidences," she said.
Winfrey said she's offered a prayer of gratitude every day for the privilege of doing the show.
Her final words: "Many of us have been together 25 years ... we have hooted and hollered together ... so I thank you for your support and your trust in me.. I thank you for sharing this yellow brick road of blessings ... I won't say goodbye ... I'll just say until we meet again ... to God be the glory."
Montclair resident Carol Middleton watched the final episode, saying she wished Winfrey would have continued the show.
"I used to watch the show with my mom ... I sort of feel like I've grown up with Oprah ... I haven't watched as much in recent years but if I was at home I'd turn it on," she said. "I do hate to see it all end."
Born to a single mother, Winfrey's business has ballooned into a global empire with Forbes magazine last year ranking her as the third-most powerful woman in the world. The magazine estimated her wealth at $2.7 billion.
Winfrey recently launched the Oprah Winfrey Network on cable television and plans to devote her time to it and her other media ventures.
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