NEWSOprah Opens Up About Going Off the Air
Nov. 20 2009, Published 9:20 a.m. ET
In a special episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show airing today, the legendary talk show host confirms plans to pull the plug on her trademark program on Sept. 9, 2011, E! News reports. "I love this show. This show has been my life. And I love it enough to know when it's time to say goodbye," a tearful Winfrey tells her studio audience.
"Twenty-five years feels right in my bones and it 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."
Oprah says her decision came after "prayer and careful thought."
"I certainly never could have imagined the yellow-brick road of blessings that would have led me to this moment," Winfrey continues.
"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, joy-filled moment with you."
The media has dubbed Oprah as one of the "world's most powerful women." She has over 42 million viewers tune in to her critically acclaimed talk show each week, and has won numerous Emmy's for her work. She is also a leader in philanthropic contributions.
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Best friend Gayle King says no one needs to worry about Oprah.
“This was definitely Oprah’s decision and Oprah’s decision alone,” Gayle told reporters at Sean "Diddy" Combs's Birthday Celebration in NYC. “I think that Oprah always makes the best decision for herself, I really do."
"She has a very full life she will come up with something to do. We don’t need to worry about her trying to fill up her time I promise you that.”
