Celebs flooded United Center in Chicago for the taping of Oprah’s FINAL SHOW last week.  The first of her three-part finale showcases some of the A-list celebs she's come to know and love (and vice-versa) during her 25 year run. Beyonce, Halle Berry, Madonna, Tom Cruise and more were on hand to wish the talk show queen farewell.
Tom Hanks - as the master of ceremonies,  introduces a video of viewers talking about how their lives have been impacted by Oprah's  show.

Other celebrities appearing include Oprah's best friend Gayle King, Jay-Z, Wanda Sykes, Rosie O'Donnell, Dr. Phil McGraw, Tyler Perry, Emmitt Smith, Lisa Ling, Tyler Florence, Carson Kressly, Dave Chappelle, former Chicago mayor Richard Daley and more.

-

loading...

Some highlights:
-Tom Cruise quotes Glinda the Good Witch from Wizard of Oz –
-John Legend announces that 25 new U.S. libraries will be built in Oprah's honor.
-Diane Sawyer also took the stage to say that 25,000 oak trees will be planted across the country to "to remind everyone to live their best lives."
-Beyonce performs "Run The World" in a tuxedo style leotard.
-Josh Groban and Patti LaBelle perform "Over the Rainbow."
-

loading...

You may be wondering why she decided to end her legendary talk show after 25 years on air. This month's O Magazine reveals that a dying 12-year-old boy told her to end the show at the 25-year mark. O said that Mattie Stepanek, a child author who had rare form of muscular dystrophy, told her via email in 2003 that she should end the show after 25 years. Mattie passed away 13 months later at age 13.
Oprah published the entire email that Mattie wrote to her from his hospital bed. In it, he wrote, "’It is my opinion that you should wait to stop your daytime show on its 25th anniversary. Let me explain why. Twenty-five makes more sense to me, partially because I am a bit OCD and 25 is a perfect number."

The United Center shows are being broadcast in two parts, Parts 1 and 2 will premiere today (Monday) at 3pm and tomorrow (Tuesday) on WCCO TV Channel 4. The third part is actually a 'Farewell Show' about which little has been revealed.

Oprah has played a big part in celebrity's lives, but she's also touched each of us in her own way- Tell us in the comments section below how has Oprah made a difference in your life!

More From Mix 94.9