Kristen Wiig got a musical sendoff on the season finale of Saturday Night Live.
The popular cast member is leaving the show after seven years, and in her final skit, guest host Mick Jagger played the principal at a high school graduation and brought up Wiig, in cap and gown, as “one particular student who is leaving this summer.”
The symbolism? Not subtle. The emotions? Running high.
She danced in turn with Jagger, cast members and executive producer Lorne Michaels to the tune of the Rolling Stones classic “She’s a Rainbow.”
The ensemble then sang sang another Stones hit, “Ruby Tuesday,” with its line, “still I’m gonna miss you.” Wiig appeared to be holding back tears.
Wiig’s departure, while widely expected – her hit film Bridesmaids was just the start of a promising movie career – is still a tough blow for the show.
Her limitless range on SNL brought us attention-seeker Penelope, Kat (half of the musical duo Garth and Kat), the Target woman and other oddballs.
Real-life notables she played include Bjork, Kathie Lee Gifford, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and most recently, Tanning Mom.