Don’t go, O!

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We may whine when she shut down Michigan Avenue or get vexed by how conceited she seems. And I’ll never forgive how she made the word, sigh, “va-jay-jay” a part of the pop culture lexicon. But millions appreciated that she did her thing in Chicago, and in turn, made Chicago a shining city to millions around the world.

Without Oprah, what is Chicago, really, outside of Chicago? A haven of deep-dish pizza? No problem with that, although it’s hardly a profound title. A city of remarkable architecture and theater? No question, although New York is more recognized (unfairly, in my opinion). A home to corrupt politics? True, sad, but true. City to the cursed Chicago Cubs? True, sad at times, but true. 

But “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” no matter the topic, no matter the guest, was always associated with Chicago, as was the TV titan herself. She used the show to bring world leaders and stars to Chicago, and to help make Barack Obama our president. She shared the stories of the city’s people, and used her show to celebrate incredible talent, be it singers, actors, writers, filmmakers. And now, as she embarks on a new beginning with her own cable network, she brings the show that changed the world to an end.

In a voice thick with emotion, Oprah Winfrey discussed ending her talk show in 2011 on her show today. Here are here remarks, which came at the end of Friday’s show.

“After much prayer, and months of careful thought, I’ve decided that next season — Season 25 — will be the last season of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show.’ … Twenty-four years ago, on Sept. 8, 1986, I went live from Chicago to launch the first national ‘Oprah Winfrey Show.’ I was beyond excited and as you all might expect, a little nervous. I knew then what a miraculous opportunity I had been given, but I certainly never could have imagined the yellow brick road of blessings that have led me to this moment with you. [Her voice grows thick with emotion] These years with you, our viewers, have enriched my life beyond all measure, and you all have graciously invited me into your living rooms, into your kitchens and into your lives.”

via The Watcher: Oprah talks on the air about ending her show.

There’s still no confirmation on whether Winfrey will abandon Chicago to live full-time in California, where many would assume she’ll create her own shows for her own network. All speculation for the time being, albeit I wouldn’t be shocked if that’s what happened. That Chicago street party earlier this fall sure seems like a swan song now, doesn’t it?

But while Oprah will certainly have her hands tied with future ventures, many of them remarkably successful to be sure, here’s hoping she still finds the time to use her influence to spotlight Chicago’s people and talent, on new shows, in her magazine, on her Web sites. I hope that she finds the time to not just focus on her network, but in bringing acclaimed works such as the Broadway musical “The Color Purple” and the films “Precious” and “Beloved” to the masses. She is a trendsetter, and without her, many in the world would miss out on many special things.

And Chicago will be missing out when her show finally ends.