Oprah Winfrey bids farewell

Oprah Winfrey gave a big farewell on the final episode of her long running talk show this week. Taking to the stage she looked back on a TV career lasting 25 giving a tearful goodbye and thanks to her fans saying,

"You all have been a safe harbor for me. My hope is that you will be that safe harbor for someone else."

Winfrey was the only person on stage during the final episode with occasional background music and short flashback clips of the two and half decades of her show. Reflecting on her upbringing in rural Mississippi Oprah said;

''It is no coincidence that a lonely little girl,'' Winfrey said, choking up, ''who felt not a lot of love, even though my parents and grandparents did the best they could, it is no coincidence that I grew up to feel a genuine kindness, affection, trust and validation from millions of you all over the world.''

The final show also racked up a considerable audience being the highest watched Oprah Winfrey show in 18 years. Oprah will now focus her attention on her growing TV network OWN and has plans to return to acting citing an interest in Broadway she is holding meetings with theatre producers.