CBS has finally confirmed that How I Met Your Mother will continue for another year – and that season 9 will be the sitcom’s last.

A few months back we reported that How I Met Your Mother had been renewed for a ninth season despite some problems with Jason Segel (Marshall)’s contract. But only today has CBS released an official press release confirming their decision.

In the statement, CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler confirms what several of the stars have already stated publicly: that season 9 will indeed be the show’s final season.

She says, “Through eight years, How I Met Your Mother has mastered the art of leading-edge comedy, emotional water-cooler moments and pop culture catch-phrases. We are excited for Carter, Craig, Pam Fryman and this amazing cast to tell the final chapter and reveal television’s most mysterious mother to some of TV’s most passionate fans.”

So when will we finally meet the mother of Ted’s children? There is still no firm word, but 20th Century Fox has issued a statement which affirms the company’s belief that showrunners Carter Bays and Craig Thomas will, “guide one of the greatest comedies of the last decade to a gratifying conclusion when they finally reveal the identity of the mother.”

Further, EW has also revealed several tidbits about the second half of season 8, including that this Monday’s Robin Sparkles chapter might not be the last time we’ll see her after all! We are also assured that the wedding between Barney and Robin will indeed take place this year, and that Ted still isn’t completely over Robin at this point. Oh, Ted. Meet the mother already, okay?

And speaking of this elusive female person/wedding band member/future mother of Luke and Leia (we really hope these are actually gonna be the kids’ names), when do you think we’ll meet her? At the end of the current eighth season, at the beginning of season 9, or perhaps at the very end of the series? Share your thoughts in the comments!