It was an emotional time for fans of CW series "The Vampire Diaries" when original star Nina Dobrev decided to leave the series at the end of season six. And with Dobrev's return for the show's upcoming series finale, the actress is once again bidding a heartfelt farewell to the series and its fans -- this time, for good.

In an Instagram post shared with followers earlier this week, Dobrev announced that this would be her "true final goodbye" to "TVD," after officially wrapping work on the show's final episode. Though Dobrev left the series two years ago, the actress noted that her recent return to the show made it seem as if no time had passed -- and it wasn't any easier saying farewell this time around, either.

Dearest TVD family, It feels like it was just yesterday that I was saying goodbye. And yet two years have passed and here we are again. This is my true final goodbye, as today I shot my last scene of the Vampire Diaries forever. Coming back for the series finale has been a whirlwind of emotion, nostalgia, love, tears of joy and bittersweet endings. It feels like the beautiful closure we all needed, myself included, and I couldn't have been happier to come home to be with my TVD set family and friends. I feel the fans family will also be happy with the show's conclusion when they tune in to watch the last episode air in a few short weeks. From the bottom of my heart, I send you my biggest thanks for the countless years of implicit dedication, passion, support, and undying love from all the fans that have stuck with us on this truly amazing and beautiful journey. As this last chapter ends, we welcome and look forward to going on to the next adventure and hope that you continue to follow us as our new journeys begin. I grew up on this show and am eternally grateful for all the opportunities it has given me, and so thankful for each and every person who worked on The Vampire Diaries over the last 8 years. We are all pieces of a big puzzle and without every truly amazing cast and crew member, this magical puzzle would not be complete. Thank you for all your hard work, friendship and love. You have touched my heart in ways you will never know. Sending looch smooches, Love, Katherine, Amara, Tatia, and of course, Elena Gilbert. #TVDforever #FangsForTheMemories ❤ Ps. I had these custom engraved TVD #Forever keys made as crew gifts for my beloved TVD a family. @thegivingkeys is an amazing company that sells products to provide jobs. Every product you purchase supports job creation for individuals transitioning out of homelessness, impacting lives through the power of a Pay It Forward community.

A photo posted by Nina Dobrev (@ninadobrev) on

"Coming back for the series finale has been a whirlwind of emotion, nostalgia, love, tears of joy and bittersweet endings," Dobrev wrote. "It feels like the beautiful closure we all needed, myself included, and I couldn't have been happier to come home to be with my TVD set family and friends."

The actress noted that fans should be satisfied with the series finale, and thanked viewers for standing by the show throughout its run. She also shared her love for the "TVD" cast and crew:

From the bottom of my heart, I send you my biggest thanks for the countless years of implicit dedication, passion, support, and undying love from all the fans that have stuck with us on this truly amazing and beautiful journey. ... I grew up on this show and am eternally grateful for all the opportunities it has given me, and so thankful for each and every person who worked on The Vampire Diaries over the last 8 years. We are all pieces of a big puzzle and without every truly amazing cast and crew member, this magical puzzle would not be complete. Thank you for all your hard work, friendship and love. You have touched my heart in ways you will never know.

The season 8 finale -- and series finale -- of "The Vampire Diaries" will air on March 10 on The CW.

[via: Nina Dobrev]