In Chicago, the sky is crying for Oprah’s final show (and so are small businesses)

A lofty request, sure. But one that’s certainly worth it, considering Oprah Winfrey has dramatically boosted the national exposure for brands featured on her show, particularly the ones on her “favorite things” episodes.

So, today, PR pros can relax a bit because the queen of talk is ending her show’s 25-year national run (plus a year-and-a-half on local Chicago television) as part two of her highly anticipated farewell show airs.

The Chicago Tribune and USA Today, among others, live blogged the big event.

Perhaps coincidentally—perhaps not—the skies have opened in Chicago (where the “Oprah” show is taped) and released a steady downpour all morning, prompting many on Twitter to suggest: “The sky is crying for Oprah.” (Or, maybe, because the Bulls lost last night.)