!["SiriusXM's Sesame Street Town Hall," Featuring Original Cast Members From The Series, Celebrates The Show's 45th Anniversary "SiriusXM's Sesame Street Town Hall," Featuring Original Cast Members From The Series, Celebrates The Show's 45th Anniversary](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/gettyimages-458748716.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
It’s time to say goodbye to Sesame Street’s Maria.
It was announced at the American Library Association Annual Conference that Sonia Manzano would be leaving the children’s series. “After 45 years on Sesame Street, @SoniaMManzano will no longer appear on the next season,” American Libraries tweeted on Monday.
The actress-author’s turn as the lovable character — who ultimately became a wife, mother, and Fix-It Shop owner — earned her two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series. She also wrote for the program starting in 1981, and won a whopping 15 writing Emmy Awards.
Given Manzano’s extended time with Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar, and friends, it comes as no surprise that many felt emotional about the news.
Meet the Man Behind Sesame Street's Big Bird
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