Monday on NBC's "Today," Meredith Vieira made an emotional announcement that she will leave the morning show in June, with Ann Curry taking over as co-anchor.
"This is a difficult day for me - I'm gonna try to hold myself together here - but after months of personal reflection and private conversations with my family and my friends, I've decided to leave 'Today,'" said Vieira, adding that she'd like to spend more time with her family. (Her husband has long battled multiple sclerosis and cancer.) She will continue in a new role at NBC News, with an official announcement due in the coming months.
Curry, who's been with the show 14 years, will transition from her post as news anchor, with Natalie Morales taking over that role. "I feel like the high school computer nerd who was just asked to the prom by the quarterback of the football team," Curry said on the air on Monday. But she added, "I think this day is really Meredith's. Meredith, I just want you to know you've been a gift to this broadcast. You have been generous, and you have been a great girlfriend."
The announcement was expected but was delayed due to last week's news about Osama bin Laden's death. Co-anchor Matt Lauer said of Vieira, "She has brought class and dignity and talent and a joy of life to this show over these last five years, and we will miss you like crazy."
Lauer said of his new co-anchor, "Ann has been such a key member of this show ... has brought her warmth and desire to tell important stories to 'Today.'" Turning to Curry he said, "I know you'll continue to do that, so congratulations."
"This is a difficult day for me - I'm gonna try to hold myself together here - but after months of personal reflection and private conversations with my family and my friends, I've decided to leave 'Today,'" said Vieira, adding that she'd like to spend more time with her family. (Her husband has long battled multiple sclerosis and cancer.) She will continue in a new role at NBC News, with an official announcement due in the coming months.
Curry, who's been with the show 14 years, will transition from her post as news anchor, with Natalie Morales taking over that role. "I feel like the high school computer nerd who was just asked to the prom by the quarterback of the football team," Curry said on the air on Monday. But she added, "I think this day is really Meredith's. Meredith, I just want you to know you've been a gift to this broadcast. You have been generous, and you have been a great girlfriend."
The announcement was expected but was delayed due to last week's news about Osama bin Laden's death. Co-anchor Matt Lauer said of Vieira, "She has brought class and dignity and talent and a joy of life to this show over these last five years, and we will miss you like crazy."
