With Tears, Meredith Vieira Says Goodbye to 'TODAY'

By PopEater Staff Posted Jun 8th 2011 09:55AM

Meredith Vieira signed off from 'TODAY' for the last time Wednesday morning after five years on the job. The co-host of the NBC program decided in April to leave the show, passing the baton to colleague Anne Curry. "It's tough. It's a hard one. Very mixed emotions. I'm looking at everybody right here and wishing I ... no, I know it's right, but it's hard," Vieira said at the top of her last show.

Matt Lauer got right to it in the early part of the show and with Al Roker, Curry and Natalie Morales on hand, introduced a playful montage of some of Merdith's most memorable moments.

"It's been a privilege working with you over these past five years," Lauer said. "And I know the folks at home have enjoyed starting their day with you as well. It has been a great ride."

Becoming emotional, Vieira spoke about the "power of this show to really reach people and it's such a blessing to have had that ability. I'm so honored to have sat with all of you."

Quick with the wit, she added, "Most of you."

Meredith couldn't hold back the tears -- who could -- when Lauer brought out songwriting legend Carole King to perform a stirring version of 'You've Got a Friend.' She sang along with her 'TODAY' cohorts with the lines, "Winter, spring, summer or fall. All you have to do is call. And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah. You've got a friend."

She made the official announcement of her departure last month after rumors that she planned to leave the show popped up in April.

"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 a couch next to Curry, Matt Lauer and Al Roker.

On Tuesday, fourth hour hosts Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford cracked wise about Meredith's long goodbye. "It seems like we've been saying goodbye to Meredith forever ... When is the woman leaving?" she joked, before adding, "None of us are happy about it. We're broken-hearted."

Vieira has hosted NBC's 'Today' for the past five years with Lauer, taking over for Katie Couric when she decided to the leave the show in 2006. Before taking on the early morning role, Vieira was the original moderator on 'The View.'

As co-host of the popular show, Vieira has had her fair share of interesting experiences -- all caught on camera for the world to see. 'The Today Show' has been replaying some of Vieira's top moments this week, leading up to today's farewell show.

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We'll Miss You, Meredith!

In this image released by NBC, "Today" show co-host Matt Lauer talks about his favorite "Meredith" moments on the "Today" show along with "Today" show co-host Meredith Vieira, Tuesday, June 7, 2011 in New York. Vieira's last day on the show is Wednesday. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, NBC)

NBC

Meredith Vieira Snapshots

In this photo provided by NBC, "Today" show co-host Meredith Vieira, left, does her last cooking segment with Martha Stewart on the "Today" show, Tuesday, June 7, 2011 in New York. Vieira's last day on the show is Wednesday. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, NBC)

Meredith Vieira Snapshots

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 03: Co-anchor of NBC's TODAY show Meredith Vieira onset at NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Center on June 3, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Meredith Vieira Snapshots

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 03: Co-anchors of NBC's TODAY show Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira onset at NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Center on June 3, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Meredith Vieira Snapshots

FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2010 file photo, Ann Curry attends the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights 2010 Ripple of Hope Awards Dinner in New York. Curry, who has been the "Today" show news anchor since 1997, officially ascends to the top spot alongside Matt Lauer on Thursday, the day after Meredith Vieira signs off. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)

Meredith Vieira Snapshots

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 03: Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Center on June 3, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage)

Meredith Vieira Snapshots

Co-hosts Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira of the NBC "Today" television program, embrace during the show, in New York, Friday, June 3, 2011. Vieira is leaving the show on June 8. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Meredith Vieira Snapshots

Co-hosts Matt Lauer, left, and Meredith Vieira, and weathercaster Al Roker, of the NBC "Today" television program, appear during the show, in New York, Friday, June 3, 2011. Vieira is leaving the progam on June 8. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Meredith Vieira Snapshots

Meredith Vieira, departing co-host of the NBC "Today" television program, watches the latest "American Idol" winner perform in New York Thursday, June 2, 2011. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Meredith Vieira Snapshots

Ann Curry, left, and Meredith Vieira appear during a segment of the NBC "Today" television program, in New York's Rockefeller Center, Friday, May 27, 2011. Curry is to replace Vieira as co-host of the program June 8, 2011. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Meredith Vieira Snapshots

Tags: matt lauer, meredith vieira, today show

Comments

(59)

Wednesday 08 June

By Myra Ware

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Soooooo sorry Meredith is leaving the Today show. She is such a delight and what a happy way she gave us to start our morning. It is also a very sad day for us as today is our last day to watch the Today show due to Ann Curry taking over her spot! We will miss you Matt Lauer!! NBC what were you thinking???

By KikiD

Agree. there is NO WAY we can stand listening to Ann butcher another interview and now doing it on a regular full time basis. Goodbye Today Show. It looks like the morning shows are about to see an upheaval in their ratings

By rig on rig out

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU TWO Nit-Wits AZZ ON YOUR WAY OUT, if there's any consolation in all this matter.. there isn't any!!!! really !!...
The show's rating will not dip down but increases dramatic in attracting new viewers while gaining popularity among old and young who respond to the latest Gallup Poll.

By laura22122

Surprisingly I did like Meredith. I've seen Ann Curry being interviewed by Ellen and late night shows, and she can definitely not hold a candle to Meredith. She has earned that spot, but she just doesn't have the charm or humor that Meredith has. She will definitely be missed.

By I

Meredith is such a smooth,kool,natural as a host whether it be the 'Today Show" and "Millionaire". She is very gifted.

By Danny

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So long Meredith, so long today show. Cannot stand Ann!!!!!!

By Vanessa

I haven't been a big fan for years, but definately won't be watching when ANN takes over. Can't stand her !!! I loke G
the best.

By CAT03

it's alsooooooo long for me to. matt and cury will not last.
what are you guys thinking about....it will be very hard to replace Mereith, she has a very speical gift....
who is going to millioniare?
goodluck to Mereith and may God Bless you and your family.

You will truly be missed.......

By jaywest71

Cannot stand any of them. The show is trite, to say the least. I don't know why it stays on? I guess some people like being spoken down to. All the money they pay these people, and for what? To dress up on Halloween and live out their childhood fantasies. I, for one,can't stand Meredith. I hope she fades into oblivion.

By Sally

It stays on air because it is and always has been the top rated news program in the mornings.

By Ken Burbey

Excuse Me?? The Show has been #1 for 11 consecutive years. I really don't think your viewership, or lack of it will cause a blip on their radar.........

Thursday 09 June

By Nancy Logan

ewwww!

By vickie

MEREDITH,YOUR GOING TO BE MISSED!YOU BROUGHT A;LOT OF FUN TO THE TODAY,YOU ALWAYS LET YOUR HAIR DOWN.YOU MADE ALOT OF US OUT HERE LAUGH AND WE NEED THAT.YOUR A DOWN TO EARTH PERSON I CAN TELL JUST HOW YOU WERE ON THE SHOW AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT! GOOD LUCK TO YOUR FUTURE.

By S.Toth Lassiter

I wanted Ann to get "the spot" when Katie left--I've never been a Meredith fan; however, I think Ann now is too insecure to handle the job. My vote is to bring the weekend crew, i.e., Lester Holt and Jenna Wolfe in as the week day anchors. They are terrific!

By s

Jenna Wolfe is a buffoon.

By Mari

I love your show and I love the team: Matt, Meredith, Al, Ann. Good luck, Meredith. You will be missed... regardless of what some envious people may say.

By Enough Already

Good luck, Meredith. Just do yourself a favor and stay as far away as possible from The View!

By dorothy

You are an unintelligent idiot and a s s

By Jean

Give Ann a chance - Meredith was great but at least Ann deserves a chance. Get rid of Kathie Lee and I'll watch at 11. She's the winey one

By dirtchik

Kathie Lee is just ridiculous to me. I can't stand watching the last part of the show. I loved Hoda Kotb before she began
co-hosting with Gifford. Why in the world would ANY network want Gifford on??????

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