Oprah Winfrey ended her talk show Wednesday with a sermon of the lessons she’s learned from 25 years on the air. WATCH VIDEO of six moments from her over-the-top farewell. Plus, Tricia Romano talks to the most devastated superfans.
The Final Goodbye
After sharing the lessons she’s learned from the show, Oprah took the final minutes of her time on stage to thank the audience for “sharing this yellow brick road of blessings.” The host spoke her words like an experienced preacher—Mississippi twang in tow—signing off, “to God be the glory.”
Oprah Enters Her Pulpit for the Last Time
Winfrey was greeted by a standing ovation when she took the stage—with audience members crying in the background. But she wasn’t always a crowd-pleaser: On her first show, Winfrey didn’t even have an audience. Fast forward 4,561 days on the air later, and a savvy career move to host the show has transformed into teaching and learning in the “world’s biggest classroom.”
The Reverend's Life Lessons
Throughout the last show, Winfrey reflected on some of her guests’ best lessons. Among these gems was the Golden Rule—with her own feisty spin. Winfrey told the audience to be responsible for their own actions—what you do to others, will come back “and slap you in the face.” Could Oprah have a second career as a life coach?
Oprah: ‘You Are Not Alone’
Though Winfrey’s show has boasted celebrities, presidents, and insane giveaways, she has also demystified social issues that were previously considered taboo or shameful. From interviewing alcoholics to AIDS victims, the host looked back on her some of her most revealing sit-downs.
What the 30,000 Guests Wanted
After interviewing a staggering 30,000 people, Winfrey has one thing figured out: There is nothing more that her guests want than validation. Oprah schooled the audience in self-empowerment 101, suggesting that they acknowledge their spouses and friends more thoughtfully “with an open mind” and “an open heart.” The free couples' counseling will be missed.
Does Oprah Have Any Regrets?
After dominating daytime talk and amassing a media empire, would Winfrey have changed anything about her tenure? After a quarter of a century on air, the host said she has no regrets, citing her efforts to reveal the sexual assault of children as her proudest achievement. Winfrey, who revealed her own molestation in 1986, thanked friend Tyler Perry for his involvement in a show this season that featured 200 men who’d been molested—calling it a “full circle” moment.
