According to insiders, Winfrey informed her staff of her decision late this afternoon in a company meeting, described as “emotional, supportive and respectful.”

This afternoon, Tim Bennett, president of Winfrey’s Harpo production house, announced that the media mogul will step off the “Oprah” set in September 2011. He said Winfrey will confirm the news on Friday’s edition of her show.

“The Oprah Winfrey Show” will not move on to the cable Oprah Winfrey Network or OWN.

Since “Oprah’s” 1986 inception, Winfrey’s grown to be far more than a shoulder to cry on for scandal-scarred stars. Her empire — which includes films, books, magazines and Web sites, in addition to her TV show — influences people the world over, and her wealth — at one point, she was the world’s only African-American billionaire, according to Forbes magazine — grants her access to people, places and things few others can conceive.

What’s next for Winfrey? Perhaps she’ll drop a hint on her show Friday.

Below, read the full text of Bennett’s statement to stations across the country that carry Winfrey’s show.