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NBC Insider Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Mariska Hargitay Shares Heartwarming Tributes to SVU Co-Star Kelli Giddish

Hargitay always knows how to make SVU fans cry.

By Jessica White
Rollins Admits to Carisi That She Can’t Be Alone | NBC’s Law & Order: SVU

How to Watch

Watch Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Thursdays on NBC and next day on Peacock.

Changes are afoot in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, with longtime detective Amanda Rollins, played by the endlessly-talented Kelli Giddishleaving the SVU to pursue an exciting opportunity after 12 years of service. 

The midseason finale centered on Rollins' emotional farewell to her SVU colleagues, beginning with a wedding to Sonny Carisi (Peter Scanavino) and ending with Rollins breaking the news to her best friend and boss, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), that she accepted a full-time teaching position. 

Benson and Rollins' final scene together was a heart-wrenching goodbye in Benson's office, the perfect send-off for the SVU colleagues and friends. Benson and Rollins have put away countless criminals together since Giddish's introduction in Season 13. It was immediately apparent that there was little to be acted in the scene, as the two have become quite close throughout their 12 years together on Law & Order: SVU

Hargitay took to Instagram to post an emotional tribute to her longtime SVU co-star. "Kelli, I've loved acting, learning, growing, talking, laughing and crying with you," Hargitay wrote. "I've loved watching your achingly beautiful performances. I've loved watching our friendship deepen and grow and blossom. I've loved every single minute of it, and I will miss you so much. You have my respect, my gratitude and my love forever. xo M." 

Hargitay captioned the tribute, "#RolliviaForever," a beautifully simple sentiment that rings true for the SVU leading ladies. Giddish also took to Instagram to thank SVU fans for their longtime support for Rollins, posting a heartwarming collage of photos from the set of SVU. Making another Instagram post after the episode had hit the fans, Hargitay posted a collage of Benson and Rollins embracing during the wedding. Rollins may be gone, but she'll stay in SVU fan hearts till the end of time.

Law & Order: SVU returns with new episodes on Thursday, January 5 at 9/8c and next day on Peacock

Catch up on Law & Order: SVU on NBC and Peacock.