Meredith Vieira confirmed that she will leave NBC's Today show next month.
She made the announcement on this morning's broadcast, citing a desire to spend more time with her family. Ann Curry will replace her as host.
The turnover at TV's top-rated morning show was anticipated. Vieira replaced Katie Couric in 2006, and has talked about wanting more free time.
Ann Curry (left) will replace Meredith Vieira.
Vieira has three children and her husband, author Richard M. Cohen, has penned a best-selling book on coping with multiple sclerosis and colon cancer.
"Even as I say this and I know that it's the right thing, I'm really sad," she said, fighting back emotion as she made the announcement on air.
Her co-host, Matt Lauer, said that Meredith Vieira "has brought class and dignity and talent and a joy of life to this show for the last five years."
Transitions are a bit unusual for Today, as Vieira was still the newbie among the show's "core four" that includes Lauer, Curry and Al Roker.
Curry has been with the show since 1997 as the news anchor.
Passed over for the top job five years ago when Vieira was chosen, she stuck with the show and carved out a new reputation as a reporter.
She was in Pakistan last week following Osama bin Laden's death.
"I feel like the high school computer nerd who has just been asked to the prom by the quarterback of the football team," Curry said.
Today is careful to cultivate the image of family, and made the announcement with the five regulars seated on a couch, making jokes.
Meredith Vieira says she'll leave the show in June.
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