Sunny days may get a bit cloudier. Sesame Street’s beloved character “Maria” will retire this year.

Sonia Manzano, 65, announced at the American Library Association Conference on Tuesday June 30 that she would be leaving the show and character after no fewer than 44 years! As US Magazine reports, she was a teenager when she first appeared on the show in 1971 as Maria, the new local librarian. Since then she has been best friend to Big Bird and Elmo as well as dozens of other Muppets, as her character grew up, married, and became a mother.

As Time reports, Manzano eventually transitioned to also joining the Sesame Street writing staff in 1981, and received 15 Daytime Emmy Awards as part of that group. She also received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series.

An outpouring of love and grief hit Twitter at the announcement, with fans thanking Manzano for all the special moments they remember from the series. Manzano replied to many with personal messages on Twitter.

No last show date or plot explanation for Maria’s departure has been announced.