After 25 years in the talk show industry, one of the worlds most loved personalities is calling it a day, with Oprah Winfrey quitting TV.

Oprah made the announcement on her TV talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show on Friday, much to the disappointment of millions of fans worldwide.

But while it dos mean an end of an era in American Television history, the effects will not be felt for some time, with Oprah to continue on our small screens until September 11, 2010.

And Winfrey won’t be retiring from TV altogether. After her talk show winds down, the TV doyenne will concentrate on her forthcoming cable channel, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network.

Often referred to as the strongest woman on the planet, Winfrey named a list of reasons behind her decision.

She felt that after more than two decades it was time for her to move on and try something else in her life.

She also disliked the constant personal attacks made to her every year as a result of her television appearances.

But by far the most relevant reason for her departure is her passion to dedicate more of her time to humanitarian work, singling out child predators as her main concern.

Her announcement will have a lasting effect on fans for some time to come, with many already voicing their emotions publicly.

Restaurant owner, Joel Nickson, who has operated business down the road form Oprah’s studios for decades, has said her deci0osn will also impact business.

“Chicago’s going to find out that she’s a real engine to hotel rooms, flowers, limo drivers, you name it,” he said.

“Even when she’s not doing the show, we see people all the time taking cabs out here, taking pictures in front of the place.”