While some people believe it can affect local tourism and businesses in Chicago, others seem unconcerned about her departure from the city.

The reason, according to Chicago Tribune media critic Phil Rosenthal, is that though Winfrey first came to Chicago in 1984 as the host of "AM Chicago," she never fully became a true Chicagoan like former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka and actor Vince Vaughn.

"There's not much Chicago in her program," The Christian Science Monitor quoted Rosenthal as saying.

"It's not like [David] Letterman who is out on the streets of New York. I think she benefited from having a middle American audience, but in terms of an actual association with the city, I'm not so sure," he added.

The Chicago Office of Tourism says Winfrey's show "has provided Chicago with worldwide exposure and been a tremendous benefit to the city.”

"We absolutely are saddened to hear about Oprah's decision but it's her choice. We've appreciated her work here in Illinois for 20-something-odd years," said Marcelyn Love, spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

She added: "We're very optimistic for the future."