THE LONG GOODBYE

Meredith Vieira Confirms Today Exit

Anchor weepily announces she’s leaving in June.

After replacing Katie Couric five years ago as co-host of NBC’s Today show, the No. 1 morning news and talk program in the U.S., Meredith Vieira has made the long-expected announcement that she will be leaving the show in June. Vieira, holding back tears, said on Today that she made the decision, “After months of personal reflection and private conversations with my family and friends,” adding, “I’m really sad because… this has been my second home.” Vieira’s stated reason for leaving is her desire to spend more time with her husband, Richard, and her kids. She will be replaced as co-host alongside Matt Lauer by Ann Curry, the news anchor on Today. Lauer said that Vieira, who expressed a strong desire to remain at NBC in some capacity, "has brought class and dignity and talent and a joy of life to this show for the last five years."