It's official: True Blood will die the true death next summer.

HBO has announced the supernatural drama is ending in 2014, wrapping up with its seventh season. It's expected to roll out next summer, bringing the sordid story of Sookie Stackhouse to a blood-soaked close.

"True Blood has been nothing short of a defining show for HBO," Michael Lombardo, the network's programming president, said in a statement. "Alan Ball took the books by Charlaine Harris, assembled a brilliant cast led by the magnificent Anna Paquin in the role of Sookie Stackhouse, and crafted a show that has taken its many devoted fans on an unforgettable journey. Alan passed the baton to Brian Buckner, who led our fantastic writers and crew in crafting a spectacular sixth season, and he will lead us through the seventh and final season of this amazing show. Together with its legions of fans, it will be hard to say goodbye to the residents of Bon Temps, but I look forward to what promises to be a fantastic final chapter of this incredible show."

"From the moment I read Charlaine's books, I thought there was potential for something really special," added Ball. "Then our amazing writers, cast and crew brought her world to life in a way that exceeded my wildest expectations. I'm deeply grateful to HBO for being true partners and collaborators, and, of course, to the viewers who chose to spend Sunday nights in Bon Temps with us."