Yesterday, television was shaken to the core by reports saying that Oprah Winfrey, the ultimate Queen of Television, as fans endearingly refer to her on occasions, was preparing to make an announcement that her show, the successful The Oprah Winfrey Show, would end in 2011. The announcement came as expected – and, of course, it was a very emotional, tearful and moving matter.

Standing in front of the audiences that have been with her for over two decades, the talk show host began by saying that, all these years, she has come to learn that she was not doing just another television show but connecting with real people, like family members would. After a few very touching moments, where tears are well up in her eyes and her voice falters with emotion, Oprah goes on to say that, while the announcement marks the beginning of the end, she will make sure the remainder 18 mounts will be one of the best rides her viewers will ever take.

“After much prayer, and months of careful thought, I’ve decided that next season – Season 25 – will be the last season of The Oprah Winfrey Show. And over the next couple of days, you may hear a lot of speculation in the press about why I am making this decision now, and that will mostly be conjecture. So I wanted you to hear this directly from me. […] So I just wanted to say that whether you’ve been here with me from the beginning or you came on board last week, I want you all to know that my relationship with you is one that I hold very dear, and your trust in me – the sharing of your precious time with me every day – has brought me the greatest joy I have ever known.” Oprah said.

As for the decision to end the show, Oprah doesn’t go into specifics nor touches upon ongoing speculation that she’s doing it to start her own network, where she’ll do her own show and, thus, build her brand. She only says that, after this much consideration and given the love she has for the show, she has come to the conclusion that there is no other way to progress than by putting an end to it.

“Why walk away and make next season the last? Here is the real reason. I love this show. This show has been my life. And I love it enough to know when it’s time to say goodbye. Twenty-five years feels right in my bones and feels right in my spirit. It’s 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.” Winfrey adds.