CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- Oprah Winfrey told viewers Friday that she plans to end her long-running show in 2011.

"You, the viewers, have enriched my life beyond measure," she said. "You have graciously invited me into your kitchens, living rooms and lives.

"Some of you have literally grown up with me; we've grown up together.'

"The Oprah Winfrey Show" will end on September 9, 2011, as its 25th season draws to a close, according to a letter from Harpo Inc. President Tim Bennett.

Winfrey said she made her decision after prayer and careful thought.

"I love this show, this show is my life, and I love it enough to know when it's time to say goodbye," she said. "It's the perfect number, the exact right time."

The show has been the highest-rated talk show for 23 consecutive seasons, according to the Oprah.com. It is seen by an estimated 42 million viewers a week in the United States and is broadcast to 145 countries.

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