If Oprah Winfrey's descent from the daytime throne means the end of civilization as we know it, at least there are some treasured memories we can hold onto. Here are 10 moments that made us gasp.

Nov. 15, 1988: Oprah celebrates her latest weight loss by wheeling out a wagon containing 67 pounds of fat.

September 1989: "The Deep End of the Ocean" is selected as the first novel for Oprah's Book Club. Millions of followers discover local institutions called libraries.

Feb. 10, 1993: Michael Jackson invites Oprah to Neverland for his first interview in 14 years. Outside the gates, a weeping Barbara Walters has to be consoled.

1995: To prepare for a lawsuit filed by Texas beef producers, Oprah hires a firm run by Dr. Phil McGraw, who later gets his own show. Oprah would go on to grant shows to her decorator, hairstylist, chauffeur and pool boy.

Sept. 13, 2004: You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!

º May 23, 2005: Tom Cruise nearly destroys Oprah's couch in a mad burst of passion. Girlfriend Katie Holmes tries to make a run for it, before being tackled by security.

Jan. 26, 2006: James Frey, author of "A Million Little Pieces," is scolded by Oprah for being a big, fat liar. He is sent to his room without supper.

December 2007: Oprah campaigns for presidential candidate Barack Obama. Michelle Obama immediately starts picking out sheets for the White House bedroom.

Sept. 13, 2010: Oprah announces she's flying the entire studio audience to Australia. Only 43 percent back out when they learn the pilot will be John Travolta.

Jan. 24, 2011: Oprah reveals she has a sister from another mother named Patricia who is now and forever to be referred to as Duchess Patty.