Fans Bid Farewell to NCIS' Pauley Perrette with Heartfelt Messages

After 15 seasons, NCIS said goodbye to fan favorite Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) in dramatic fashion. A mugging gone wrong landed both her and MI6 agent Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry) in the hospital with both of their fates left up in the air. Tuesday's heartbreaking episode revealed that while Abby survived being shot in the chest, Reeves had succumbed to his injuries.

And it turns out that this robbery at gunpoint was no random incident. Robert King (Peter Jason), the former marine busted by the NCIS team back in Season 9 for murder, had planned the whole thing as an act of revenge. The crew, with help from Abby, was able to crack the case and bring Reeves' killer to justice. However, Abby -- still reeling from Reeves' death -- decided it was time to leave and carry on his legacy through the charity he intended to start but never got the chance to.

NCIS' Pauley Perrette Reflects on Abby's Undeniably Unique Legacy

"Clay died saving my life and I owe him a debt and I intend to see it through," she told the team. "I know you may not understand but it's something I have to do. And not just for him but for me."

Abby also penned a heartfelt letter to Gibbs (Mark Harmon), her friend and mentor, who wasn't present for her big announcement. "I hope you know what you mean to me, Gibbs. Every moment, every lesson, every hug -- I'm thankful for it all," she wrote.

Rightfully, fans had strong feelings about the goth genius' departure from the series. "OMG I never cried so much!! that goodbye letter and all flash backs killed me!! Why NCIS!!," wrote @smiletic. User @burtonhelen was equally emotional about Abby's bittersweet exit. "OMG CRYING!! @PauleyP made Abby an incredible, memorable character that will be deeply missed," they added.

Here's what the rest of Twitter had to say about Pauley Perrette's final NCIS appearance.

📷 heavenlyperrette: PauleyP: #NCIS #GoodbyeAbby #FinalBow Love you guys. https://t.co/7rK0HqrGEe

— smiletic (@smiletic) May 9, 2018

Best episode by far this season. OMG CRYING!! @PauleyP made Abby an incredible, memorable character that will be deeply missed. #GoodbyeAbby #NCIS

— helen burton (@burtonhelen) May 9, 2018

Abby is one of that characters that made #NCIS so special. #GoodbyeAbby @PauleyP

— عائشة_Aishah (@theaishahs) May 9, 2018

#GoodbyeAbby I'm not crying, your crying. Thank you for 15 amazing seasons 😘 @PauleyP ❤️you will forever be missed and Abby will always have a special place in our hearts.

— KingoftheLycans (@LycanKing89) May 9, 2018

#NCIS just won't be the same anymore without Abby

— David Fitzpatrick (@DaveFitz78) May 9, 2018

Thank you for 15 years of #NCIS! It's been an amazing ride! I've always been a fan! You're AMAZING on the show! I love your character Abby. She is irreplaceable. I'm sad we won't see her anymore. She is my favorite character! #NCIS #GoodbyeAbby

— Aaron J. (@TheRealAJ_) May 9, 2018

The relationship between Abby & Gibbs on #NCIS will FOREVER be my favorite on the show and holds a special place in my heart. #GoodbyeAbby pic.twitter.com/g5uAeurvZ3

— Meeghan Aalders (@meegy101) May 9, 2018

I watched NCIS tonight. I watched a Abby say goodbye. It made me sad, it made me cry. 😭😭😭 I still love the show, it just won't be the same without Abby. Sending you lots of #ChopperLove and wishing you all the best @PauleyP ❤️ #GoodbyeAbby #NCIS

— ChopperTheBikerDog™ (@ChopperBikerDog) May 9, 2018

NCIS' Season 15 finale airs Tuesday, May 22 at 8/7c on CBS.

(Full disclosure: TV Guide is owned by CBS.)