Caroll Spinney, Big Bird Actor, Retires from "Sesame Street" and his fans can not contain their emotions

It's impossible to revisit your childhood and not think about Sesame Street. New cartoons and animations can come and go, but this PBS series will forever remain a constant in the education of children. But behind every puppet we know and love, there is an actor who helps to bring these characters to life. And now, after almost 50 years, the series bids farewell to one of the original cast members. Caroll Spinney, the original actor from Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird, is retiring. Sesame Street after playing with our favorite green friend, garbage-loving gremlin, and his yellow feathered friend since the creation of the series in 1969.

Spinney, now 84, has issued a statement about his decision to retire from both roles. In the undeniably sincere message, the actor bid farewell to his iconic character and encouraged fans to accept the new cast members who will replace him. The complete declaration, as reported by Weekly entertainment, reads as follows:

"Big Bird brought me to many places, opened my mind and nourished my soul. And I plan to be an ambassador for Sesame Workshop for many years. After all, we are a family! But now is the time for two artists I work with and whom I respect – and have chosen for the tutelage of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch – to take my alter-egos between them and continue to bring them to life. "

Astrid Stawiarz / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images

In terms of who these substitutes are, Big Bird will now be voiced by Matt Vogel, who previously took over Steve Whitmire's Kermit the Frog. Meanwhile, Eric Jacobson, who currently represents Grover, Bert and Guy Smiley, as well as Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear of the Muppets, will succeed Oscar the Grouch. But while these two seem more than skilled, it's hard not to feel as if it's the end of an era. In fact, Spinney has had such a lasting impact on the show that the Sesame Workshop has released a video tribute in his honor, showcasing his many contributions over the years.

"Caroll and Big Bird are similar in kindness, sweetness and love," Sesame Workshop co-founder Joan Ganz Cooney said in the video. Spinney then won six Emmy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Grammy for his work on Sesame Street, according to BuzzFeed News.

"Before I come to Sesame StreetI did not think that what I was doing was very important. Big Bird has helped me find my goal, "Spinney said in the video. "Even when I leave my roles, I feel that I will always be Big Bird. And even Oscar, from time to time! They gave me great joy, led me to my true calling – and to my wonderful wife! – and created a life of memories that I will cherish forever. "

Upon hearing the news of his retirement, many fans tweeted love messages for Spinney, thanking him for making their childhood so full of happy memories.

The last day of Spinney will be Thursday, according to The New York Timesand having spent all his life making children laugh and learn, he seems to have few regrets. "I've always thought: how lucky are I to be able to play the two best Muppets?", He confided. "Playing Big Bird is one of the happiest things in my life."

And it was a joy to see him do it.