It was an emotional tribute

Last night, a new episode of 'The Simpsons' aired that paid tribute to a familiar face and icon of the animated sitcom.

Bart Simpson's teacher Edna Krabappel featured on the TV series across more than 175 episodes from its debut in 1990.

The actress who voiced the character, Marcia Wallace, passed away in 2013 at the age of 70.

Edna Krabappel was retired after her death.

Previously 'The Simpsons' paid tribute to Wallace in the opening credits of an episode that saw Bart write "We’ll really miss you Mrs. K" on the chalkboard in his classroom.

Additionally, an episode in March 2014 depicted Ned Flanders reminiscing about Edna, who he had married.

In the most recent homage, Bart comes across his former teacher's diary.

He believes Edna is writing in praise of him, but she's actually writing about her cat...

The episode, titled "Dairy Queen", is the show's 696th episode.

It was supposed to air last week but was postponed due to NASCAR weather delays.

You can watch some clips from the episode from the official 'Simpsons' Twitter below.

 

Wallace won an Emmy for voicing Edna Krabappel in 1992.

Her real voice was used in the episode, with the permission of the Wallace estate, using a couple of lines she'd said in previous episodes.