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 mem

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What a touching "goodbye", must admit I cried along with Meredith. Thank you Meredith and your family for giving us 5 great years of "Today".

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Well thank goodness you can change the channel and watch what you like.

By Ayisha Alim

Dear Meredith: It was such a pleasure watching you in the mornings. You bring a unique quality to morning television. You were very relax and down to earth. Your style of reporting the news was refreshing to the viewers. You will be missed. Best wishes to you with all your future endeavers and all the best to Ann in filling your position.

Ayisha Alim.

By Rosi

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Meredith was the show. Lauer and Curry can pack their bags, they've got nothing to offer to keep me as a viewer. I know Meredith had to do what she did, and I admire her for putting family first, however, sad to see her go, no more NBC for me.

By Carol

Thank goodness NBC was wise enough NOT to bring in Jenna Wolfe. What a dork!! I don't think she will EVER grow up. Love Lester and always watch on Sat. But thank God I am usually cooking b'fast on Sun. Ann is jut TOO melodramatic, but I still like Today better than GMA.

By s

Could not agree more. I make it a point to change the channel when I see Jenna Wolfe's stupid face on any show.

By Joann

Meredith did a wonderful job as co host of The Today Show. She was smart, easy going and considerate of her guests. She doesn't talk over the guest like Ann does and she wasn't annoying. I love Matt and Al but can't watch the Today show anymore. After NBC realizes it's mistake I'll go back to watching it every morning.

By jim

guess I should of tried that show one time at least

By Hello Eileen

Gee I missed all her shows.

By help me

wow a whole five years lol get over yourself. get a real job.

By charles alvarez

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its so so good to see this old old woman go she should have left a long time ago. I know there are better looking girls than her. So now lets get a good looking honey you guys need it

all those morning shows suck and are a waste of time

By Always Elvis

Best person who knows what's going on in the world is IMUS!!!!!!

By Katy

Loved Meredith! Can't stand Ann. I'm done with Today as well. The producers should have done more research before replacing Meredith. They would have discovered how disliked Ann Curry is.

By oralborealus1

Very Sad to see Meredith Go! Here on screen chemistry with Matt was Truly Magic. No way am I going to continue to watch "Today," especially with Ann Curry and Al Roker! Two No talents!

By TOBEY

SFW! She was on for only 5 years. The same with Katie Couric. Why the tears? You members of the media are so full of yourselves and your self-grandizing. Are we going to have to go thru with this everytime someone moves on? Where's Charlie Sheen's party?

By Dena

I hate seeing Meredith go but I know Ann Curry will do a good job in her place. I do wish her the best of luck in the future and I wish Ann the best too as she feels Merediths shoes on Today show . God Bless you !!

By Steve

When will Matt lauer retire he is the worst ..can not watch him when he is on the screen ...Once they get rid of Matt there ratings will go up..but the network has a love affair with untalented un personable creatures.

By DALE Zinn

Sorry .. never like Merideth... and Ann is cute and funny..
She will do nicely from day one..
and somemone is right saying Merideth stay away from the view..

By Laura

I love Ann doing the news- she does such a great job reporting the news and even her interviews at the location of a news story are great. HOWEVER- I usually have to change the channel when she does a human interest story or a celebrity inteview- with the human interest stories it seems like she is faking sincerity and with celebrities...she seems starstruck or just plain crazy...I'll give her a chance tho. Good Luck Ann- you deserve a chance!

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