Oprah Winfrey said that 25 years is “the exact right time” to end her show in an emotional announcement today.
The talk-show legend has now confirmed that she will finish her long-running show in September 2011 and said the job had “enriched my life beyond all measures”.She said the show was “My life and I love it enough to know when it is time to say goodbye”.
Here is how she announced the end of an era of her show today:
“After much prayer and months of careful thought I have decided that next season, season 25, will be the last season of the Oprah Winfrey Show”.
“24 years ago on September 8, 1986 I went live from Chicago to launch the first national Oprah Winfrey Show. I was beyond excited and as you might expect a little nervous”.
“I knew then what a miraculous opportunity I had been given but I certainly never could have imagined the yellow brick road of blessings that have lead me to this moment with you”.
“These years with you, our viewers, have enriched my life beyond all measure and you all have graciously invited me into your living room, into your kitchens and into your lives”.
“I love this show. This show has been my life. And I love it enough to know when it is time to say goodbye”.
“25 years feels right in my bones and it feels right in my spirit. It is the perfect number, the exact right time”.
“So I hope that you will take this 18 month ride with me right through to the final show”.
“So the countdown to the end of the Oprah Winfrey Show starts now and until that day in 2011 when it ends I intend to soak up every meaningful, joyful moment with you.”
Watch the announcement here:
