Oprah Winfrey steps away from limelight with fan appreciation

Oprah Winfrey has been a fixture on America's television experience for the last 25 years that it's hard to imagine for fans that it is all over.

Nevertheless, the finale of the hugely popular Oprah Winfrey show was aired Wednesday, a fitting tribute not only of Winfrey but to her connection with fans.

"Something in me connected with each of you in a way that allowed me to see myself in you and you in me," Winfrey said. "I listened and grew, and I know you grew along with me."

The last episode was devoid of freebies or surprises that have become ubiquitous in past shows. Instead it was a simple yet emotional farewell for the Queen of Talk.

At one point, Opray Winfrey was near tears when she described her childhood that enabled her "to feel a genuine kindness, affection, trust and validation from millions of you all over the world."

Her famous TV show was the platform from which she built a media empire and a stature far beyond what was expected for her background.

She was thankful for all her blessings on Wednesday's broadcast finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show and acknowledged she drew much learning and inspiration from her fans during the last 25 years.

Although the farewell episode was simple and understated, a much more festive atmosphere was created during an earlier back-to-back episode attended by celebrities and 13,000 fans at the United Center in Chicago.

In comparison there were only 404 people in the audience for the final taping of The Oprah Winfrey Show.