"You had your families and you raised your children and you left a spot for me in your morning or your afternoon, depending on when the Oprah show airs in your town. So I wanted to say, whether you've been with me from the beginning or whether you came onboard 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 every day with me has brought me the greatest joy I have ever known.
"So here we are halfway through the season, 24, and it still means as much to me to spend an hour every day wit you as it did back in 1986. So 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 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. Over this holiday break, my team and I will be brainstorming new ways that we can entertain you and inform you and uplift you when we return here in January. And then season 25, we are going to knock your socks off. 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. Thanks, everybody. And I'll see you on Monday."
