Oprah Winfrey has made a career our of surprising people but on Tuesday night, the tables were turned as hundreds of her fans and celebrity friends surprised her to say goodbye.
FromMaria Shriver to Aretha Franklin to Tom Cruise, stars paid tribute to Winfrey during the taping of two shows leading up to the talk show queen's grand finale next week.
Wearing a glittering blue halter gown, Shriver, the former first lady of California, didn't appear to show any evidence of her recent marital troubles.
"For more than 30 years you have bestowed upon me the most amazing friendship. You have shown love, support, wisdom, and most of all, the truth …," Shriver told Winfrey, pausing for a moment after she uttered the phrase "the truth."
Winfrey responded by squeezing Shriver's hand tight, and the audience erupted in applause.
On Tuesday, the news broke that her estranged husband, former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, had fathered a child outside their marriage 10 years ago.
Shriver had apparently dined with Winfrey on Monday night, shortly before the news broke, according to People magazine.
An estimated 13,000 Winfrey fans and supporters gathered inside Chicago's United Center - just a few block away from Winfrey's Harpo Studios - for the taping of the two shows dubbed "Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular."
The NBA Eastern Conference finals between the Bulls and the Miami Heat had to be shifted to make room for the taping.
Just before 7:30 p.m. in Chicago, Winfrey took to the stage to the tune of the Black Eyed Peas' hit song, "I Gotta Feeling." What followed was a star-studded extravaganza that electrified the audience.
Winfrey was met on stage by actor Tom Hanks, who told her, "You are surrounded by nothing but love. Thank you for what The Oprah Winfrey Show has meant for our lives.
"'Now Oprah, we all know that you do not like surprises," Hanks said, to which Winfrey replied, "I'm taking it all in."
Hanks continued, "Some might say that pulling off this party is darn near a mission impossible."
At that point "Mission: Impossible" star Tom Cruise walked out onto the stage.
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