Meredith Vieira Officially Announces She's Leaving 'Today'

By Kelly Fisher Posted May 9th 2011 08:06AM

'Today Show' co-host Meredith Vieira is officially leaving the NBC morning show, she announced during Monday's broadcast.

"After months of personal reflection and private conversations between my family and my friends, I've decided to leave 'Today,' in June," she said, sitting next to Matt Lauer and Al Roker.

Vieira, who has co-hosted the show with Lauer for the past five years, said she has decided to spend more time with her husband, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, and their three children.

Ann Curry will take over Vieira's chair, and NBC correspondent Natalie Morales will take over Curry's news desk position.

"I feel like the high school computer nerd who was just asked to the prom by the quarterback of the football team," an emotional Curry said, calling Vieira a "gift to this broadcast" and if it was her choice, Vieira would stay on 'Today.'

Vieira said her goal is to stay in the NBC family, just not on the 'Today Show' couch.

Tags: meredith vieira

Comments

(337)

Monday 09 May

By kittenbritches

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I am sorry to see Meridith leave the show. I have always enjoyed her being a part of the show. She had a lot to offer. But I can understand her wanting to spend more time with her husband and kids. Kids grow up so fast if you stay too busy with work you miss a lot. I wish her and her family all the best.

By donnamd50

You are a joy to watch. I resigned after 33 years at a job. It was a very emotional time but six months later I have no regrets. I enjoy the time for myself now. Good luck and much happiness

By Carol

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I will miss Meredith on the Today Show - I enjoy her down - to earth personality. I loved watching her on the View & even though I also enjoyed Katie Curic on the Today Show I thought Meredith was a good choice - I also think NBC is making a good move putting Anne in Meredith's spot - I love her speaking voice - As for Natalie I have alway enjoyed any of her segments. I wish Meredith & Richard well as they enjoy the gift of time. As you can see I am definately a fan of the show. I really like Al also & was thrilled when Matt replaced Bryant Gumble

By wendy

Loved you meredith best wishes to you and your family God Bless,if you had to leave Im happy ann is taking over for you Love you Ann congrats........

By Ben

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Did you catch when Ann Curry was covering the Royal wedding as William and Kate were leaving the palace in their new convertible, and Ann says, "Look who's driving! Look who's driving!" She had noticed (and thought she had the scoop on the observation) that Kate was on the left...only problem, Ann forgot that British cars have the steering wheel on the RIGHT. So, William was the one driving...big deal, right Ann?

By bob parks

Can't stand Ann Curry, "the gusher." Leans over as she interviews some poor soul and gushes: "so how did if feel when that car ran over you precious little child?" How do you think it felt, you dumb bimbo? What a moron.

By LE

She can't leave too soon. The Today show will be alot better off, even if Daffy Duck takes over He'll do a better job than that poor excuse for a human being...

By GEORGE

THANK GOD SHE IS FINALLY GONE, I WISH THE WHOLE CREW WOULD LEAVE WITH HER!!!!!

By Judy

Thank you for all you've done.

By Marty

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I think its about time to see new faces , and young persons , it gets very borring and tiring to see the same old bagg face every day for such a long time , She needs to step back and give a chance to new people , just retire and stay home beside she is already old an wrinkle , i guess she does not make enough money to buy some good night creams , sorry charlie just leave TODAY.

By shmelvin

I thought when Vieira joined the show that NBC had jumped the shark, making us put up with five years of stuttering, stammering and flubbing lines, so her leaving can only help the show. Right?...Wrong. Obviously NBC has no money for talent and putting Curry in her place is like replacing Shaggy with Scooby. The other networks must be loving this. Maybe CBS could put Bozo I mean Al Roker in as the new Nightly news anchor…Pathetic

By pat

will never watch the show again i hate ann curry shes an idiot whenever she stood in for meri i went to good morning america or some other show good luck matt you are going to loose a lot of your audiance

By Cynthia Matishek

Dear Meredith,

I am so sorry for us, but happy for you. I have watched you everday and enjoyed every minute of it. I thought it was great when you were chosen to be on the Today show. So intelligent and so funny. I will really miss seeing you on the Show. Best wishes to you!

By Doris

I like Ann and I also like Meredith. I'm sorry to see her go and
will miss her. I'm happy to see Ann Curry get the job.

By kingston 8

Congratulations Ann Curry. No one more deserving. Best wishes to you and family also Meridith. I too have a husband who has been diagnosed with same. One love.

By kerry wenrich

MERDATH you were a great today show host i'm sure MAT AL and the rest of the team will miss you greatly without you the show just might not be the same but if you want to leave the show that's your call

By Pittsburgh Chuck

If you really like some one, you should at least learn how to spell her name.

By Pierre

Don't let the door hit you on the back side on the way out.

By norahalpert

Who cares? The Lame Left seems to always think the same, say the same and on balance are not attractive to look at. Borning

By Hman

You will be missed by this writer Meredith!!! Can only wish you will, good life and be happy in anything you do in your life!!!

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