Oprah explains why she is ending "The Oprah Winfrey Show"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

In 2008, Oprah Winfrey revealed surprising news to the public in two doses. First, she announced she had partnered with independent media company, Discovery, for a new television network. In the same breath, Oprah also announced she would be ending her long-running daytime talk show.

While she announced "The Oprah Winfrey Show" was ending, Oprah assured fans they would have another three seasons to watch the show. She had agreed to a five-year extension in 2006 and even then she knew the show was over. Always planning ahead, Oprah revealed why she decided to end the show.

In 2003, Oprah renewed the show for another three years, she had planned to end the show at 20 years. But, she received an email from dying child author, Mattie Stephanek. The little girl told her she should wait five more years to end the show. To her, 25 was a better number and she said she was also a little OCD.

Sadly, the girl eventually died in 2003, but the show continued. Oprah took Stephanek's advice and renewed the show for five more years in 2006. Now, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is done for good and Oprah is moving on with her life. During her talk, Oprah said she believes Mattie Stephanek was a messenger for our time.