Mayor Richard Daley wants a piece of Oprah Winfrey's legacy to live on in Chicago.
During a Wednesday afternoon press conference packed with fans outside Harpo Studios, the outgoing mayor named a city street after the Chicago media queen, who ends her top-rated talk show on May 25.
"There's not enough time to describe what your 25-year journey has meant to Chicago," Daley said.
The honorary street sign reads Oprah Winfrey Way.
"I'd like to say thank you to the mayor and city of Chicago," Winfrey said. "This place is my terra. Scarlett O'Hara should have known Chicago."
Daley and Winfrey aren't new allies.
Winfrey flew to Denmark in 2009 to join Daley and Michelle Obama in support of Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid. She paid to shut down Michigan Avenue to celebrate her 24th Season, and Daley defended her against criticism of the event. The mayor even blamed the media as a reason why Winfrey decided to end her show and leave the city.
Winfrey's last show has remained top-secret, though pieces are falling into place about the final week. Harpo execs confirmed they booked Chicago's United Center for May 17 to tape a free show titled "Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular." The event will air as two, pre-finale shows scheduled to air May 23 and 24.
Wednesday's street naming was just one part of a busy day during Daley's last week as mayor.
Besides continuing his Neighborhood Appreciation Tour at a new Little Village library and holding a press conference on economic development, he'll give a keynote address at the City Colleges of Chicago commencement Wednesday evening.
On Monday, Rahm Emanuel gets sworn in as Chicago mayor.
