Hey there, fellow Gladiators! Let's take a moment to honor the incredible journey of Kerry Washington's Olivia Pope, the ultimate power-wielding, white-hat-wearing superwoman we've all grown to love. Unfortunately, the world of Scandal has officially come to an end after seven unforgettable seasons on Thursday, April 19. Trust me, we’re going to miss this ABC hit just as much as you are.

And trust us, we’re not the only ones feeling the heartbreak. Kerry Washington took to Instagram after the series finale to share an emotional farewell to her loyal fans. Alongside some candid photos of herself lying on the Oval Office floor—both alone and with the cast—she captured the bittersweet essence of saying goodbye. “This picture was taken when we completed filming our very final scene in the Oval Office set,” she wrote. “So many of @scandalabc’s most iconic scenes happened in that Oval. It has been, in many ways, the center of our #Scandal universe. Other sets were already being dismantled, and we knew this one would be next. So, before saying goodbye, I stretched out on that gorgeous rug and tried to just take it all in. Swipe! Soon after, a few beloved crew members joined. Because… why not? LOL.”

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This picture was taken when we completed filming our very final scene in the Oval Office set. So many of @scandalabc’s most iconic scenes happened in that Oval. It has been, in many ways, the center of our #Scandal universe. Other sets were already being dismantled and we knew this one would be next. So, before saying good-bye, I stretched out on that gorgeous rug and tried to just take it all in. Swipe! Soon after, a few beloved crew members joined. Because… why not? LOL. Tomorrow morning I will wake up and begin to try to process the magical dream of the past seven seasons. I imagine it will take some time to really understand what just transpired in my life. But, this much, I know… I am filled with endless gratitude for our #Scandal Family. Our glorious cast & crew and our community of #Gladiators. TOGETHER, we have changed history. Transformed television. And illuminated each other’s lives. Thank you for watching. And tweeting. And being with us!!!! With love & gratitude, My very best – Kerry
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A post shared by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on Apr 20, 2018 at 1:00am PDT

Kerry went on to express her gratitude and reflect on the journey. “Tomorrow morning I will wake up and begin to try to process the magical dream of the past seven seasons,” she continued. “I imagine it will take some time to really understand what just transpired in my life. But, this much, I know… I am filled with endless gratitude for our #Scandal family. Our glorious cast & crew and our community of #Gladiators. TOGETHER, we have changed history. Transformed television. And illuminated each other’s lives. Thank you for watching. And tweeting. And being with us!!!! With love & gratitude.” Pass the tissues, because this farewell hits hard. Keep scrolling for more details about the end of Scandal.

Why Did Scandal Have to End?

Alright, here's the big question on everyone's mind: Why did Scandal have to end? While it's no secret that Scandal has been a huge success for ABC, creator Shonda Rhimes always had a clear vision for the show's conclusion. Multiple sources confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that she always envisioned the series running for seven seasons. During Season 4, Shonda noted that Scandal wasn't meant to last for 10 or even eight seasons. She explained that one of the central plotlines—the tumultuous relationship between Olivia and Fitz—had to come to an end (much to the disappointment of fans).

“I think there’s only so much Scandal you can tell satisfactorily,” she said. “The Fitz-Liv storyline can only last so long and be told in such a way… I’ve already decided how long that is and what that’s going to be.” Thankfully, we can rest easy knowing that Fitz and Olivia seem to have found their happily ever after (thanks, Scandal, for letting us witness that final, unforgettable moment).