Lady Violet or the Dowager Countess is known for her quick-witted humor, acerbic comments and abundant supply of sarcastic replies. The old-world grandmother certainly has some of the best dialogues of the show, but fans may want to say goodbye to this favorite character.

Actress Maggie Smith, who brilliantly portrays the wonderful character, dropped hints during an interview with The Sunday Times regarding the Dowager's departure. She said, "They say this is the last one, and I can't see how it could go on", she added, "I mean, (my character) certainly can't keep going. To my knowledge, I must be 110 by now. We're into the late 1920s." Smith also said.  So does this mean ardent fans of the period drama have to bid adieu to their favorite character?

Apparently not, according to Milk Publicity, the show's publicist. The firm told the Associated Press that Maggie Smith's comments were spoken in a lighthearted manner and that the actress "has always been on the record as saying she'll be with the show for as long as the show runs." However, it seems the show won't be running for long.

Not only is season six rumored to be the last of "Downton Abbey" but creator Julian Fellowes has been signed on by NBC to create another period drama called "The Gilded Age". Thus it seems that the end of "Downton Abbey" may be near. Meanwhile, fans can cling to the hope that Smith's comments weren't all true and that the Dowager Countess will continue to dine at the house. Her sarcastic yet insightful comments will surely be missed since she infuses comedy and wit into even the dullest moments of the show.