$1.8 billion Powerball jackpot split between winners in Texas and Missouri

The historic Powerball jackpot that fueled Americans’ dreams for weeks has finally paid out.

(NBC)- The historic Powerball jackpot that fueled Americans’ dreams for weeks has finally paid out. Two players matched all six numbers in Saturday’s drawing, splitting a prize that grew to nearly $1.8 billion — the second-largest jackpot in Powerball history.

One winning ticket was sold in Texas, the other in Missouri. At a convenience store in Fredericksburg, Texas, store manager Melanie Carter said the news has made her shop the talk of the town. “It’s crazy. I mean, it’s mind-blowing,” she said, laughing. “We’re famous!”

Customers there are still chasing their own dreams. One woman told NBC News her first purchase would be a home for her mother. “What would I buy? I’d buy my mom a house for sure — and myself,” she said with a laugh.

Winners can choose between a lump sum of $410 million or annual payments totaling $893 million. For now, both remain anonymous.