Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey signs off Wednesday after 25 years, capping off three days of a farewell show that included appearances by Hollywood's top celebrities.Winfrey announced in 2009 that she is leaving the show that catapulted her into a household name and made her a part of American culture.
Her popularity and credibility go hand in hand: If she gushed about a book, it became an instant best-seller. An appearance on her show was almost always followed by a rise in profile for the guest.
The talk show queen taped a teary finale last week that included a surprise tribute from superstars, including Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jordan, Will Smith and Madonna.
The finale aired in three parts from Monday, and featured surprise appearances as -- one by one -- dozens of Winfrey's famous friends took to the stage to pay tribute to the talk show host at Chicago's United Center.
Show producers kept her out of the loop about the guests.
Winfrey, who has in the past made it clear that she does not like surprises, gasped as her celebrity friends made appearances to thunderous applause, sometimes after a clue phrase.
"Pulling off this surprise has been mission impossible," Hanks said Monday, a nod to the famous movie starring Cruise, who walked on stage right after.
On the first two days, Winfrey took in the scene in an arena filled with giant photographs of memorable show moments and thousands of adoring admirers.
The final "Oprah Winfrey Show" will broadcast Wednesday. The talk show queen has kept her plans for the final show a secret -- leaving her fans with one last surprise.
Winfrey is one of the most recognizable talk show hosts, and has built a media empire, including launching her own cable television network, OWN.
"My vision for OWN is to create a network that inspires our viewers and makes them want to be who they are on their best day," Winfrey said in a statement at the time.
As Winfrey devotees mourn the end of her 25-year run, some speculate who -- if anyone -- can fill her void.
Some already have a leg up on the competition.
"I've spent seven to eight years training at Oprah University," joked Mehmet "Dr. Oz" Oz, a Winfrey protege whose show will upgrade to 83 time slots and stations where "The Oprah Winfrey Show" had aired.
Oz added that he is grateful for the opportunity to take over the time slot, which is among the most sought-after in TV land.
As the fans await the final show, there was no shortage of messages on Winfrey's website.
"It was great to see Oprah being honored for she has taught the world how to give back and let's pray that we will continue to apply the lessons learned," read one post.
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