Photo: abc

Ellen Pompeois feeling the love from herGrey’s Anatomyfamily as they bid her farewell.
Showrunner and creatorShonda Rhimessharedher love for her leading ladyof the past 19 seasons with a shot of Pompeo from Thursday’s episode, as well as some sweet photos of the two.
“What a journey these 19 seasons have been! Wouldn’t trade them (or you) for the world. Beyond excited for your next chapter. See you later, Dr. Grey. ❤️ #greysanatomy,” Rhimes, 53, wrote.
Her longtime costarJames Pickens Jr.shared atouching video tribute, featuring photos of theGrey’sveterans from their time together over the years.
“Thank you for this @therealjamespickens !! I love you and having you as a scene partner is about as lucky as an actor can get!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Big Love for you,” Pompeo replied on the post.
Kate Walshreposted Picken’s video, writing “We love u endlessly Ellen,” in addition to postingher own tribute.
“My buddy, my gal pal, my ‘sister wife’ 😂…To know u is to love u @EllenPompeo, and reuniting for ur last season on @GreysABC has truly been the best fever dream. Happy trails my dear friend! ❤️😘🩺” Walsh, 55, captioned her carousel of pics with Pompeo, along with an adorable gif of the two laughing.
Caterina Scorsone— who plays Meredith’s sister-in-law, Dr. Amelia Shepherd — wrote on her post honoring Pompeo: “What a wild ride. Learned to buckle up and bootie up from the best. Luckiest Little Sister.”
Starring as Meredith’s half-sister, Dr. Maggie Pierce,Kelly McCrearyshared a snuggly snap of her and Pompeo on set.
“@EllenPompeo you are one of one. Thank you for your warm embrace, for sharing wisdom and game, for all the sugar AND all the spice! Onto the next iconic adventure!! Wishing you the absolute best! ♥️🥂,” wrote McCreary, 41.
Debbie Allen, who has directed several episodes in addition to portraying Dr. Catherine Fox, shared photos of her and Pompeo as she recognized the changing of the tides.
“Tonight’s Episode is an epic sea change for our Meredith Grey. Not to be missed. Love You, G❤️,” Allen, 73, wrote.
Pompeo’s costarKevin McKiddalso nodded to her exit, sharing a photo on his Instagram story of the two on set. Along with rollercoaster gif, McKidd, 49, wrote over the pic, “It’s been a ride!”
Kevin McKidd/Instagram

Season newcomer,GleealumHarry Shum Jr., also honored Pompeo ahead of the winter premiere episode.
Before the winter hiatus, Meredith’sstoryline ended with her character’s decision to leave Seattlefor Boston, where she accepted a position with the Catherine Fox Foundation to research Alzheimer’s disease.
Pompeostepped back fromGrey’s Anatomythis season to pursue outside projects, includingOrphan, which follows a terrifying adoption story in which a couple’s new daughter turns out to be a grown woman masquerading as a child.
During an appearance onThe Drew Barrymore Showin December, Pompeo opened up about her reduced role on the ABC medical drama.
“I feel super happy, but listen the show has been incredible to me and I’ve loved a lot of the experience,” she shared. “Listen it’s just I gotta mix it up a little bit. I’m 53, my brain is like scrambled eggs … I gotta do something new or I’m literally gonna turn into, like, [someone who] can’t do theNew York Timescrossword puzzle every single day.”
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Grey’s Anatomyreturns to ABC on Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. ET.
source: people.com