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 Bonbon

Vote down Vote up Report this

They probably didn't want Curry but felt they had to, i haven't watched for years but it was really because of the hypocrite lib Curry and when she practically kissed Obamas feet and tried to practically make out with Brad Pitt i had to stop watching!

Thursday 09 June

By Glad she's leaving!!

Thank goodness she's leaving!!! I can't stand her!!! Any replacement will be an improvement.

By Linda C. grafius

SOOOOOOO glad Merideth is gone. I stopped watching the show after her EGO was on board. She added nothing but "Hey look at ME" to the group.

By tc

It was the best send-off I have ever seen for a T.V. personality. Congrats to the producer and research staff. I would like to watch it again. The last musical segment was great. Let's not forget that it is the field reporters that make Today the most watched morning show along with the flawless technical support.

By coolMOdee

I hate the show, but I hated it more when Curric was there. I do not get it. I am having a hard time believing that with millions of peope from whom to choose, that we are stuck with the likes of Ann Curry, Al Roker and even Matt L. And why is the black guy so unattractive...and gay acting. There has to be a sexy, funny black man who can take Rokers Place or even an illegal alien would do, if there where some subtitles and the network does want to pay taxes. Wait, give the spot to Luke Russert, Tim Russarts son. He's had a hard life and needs another affirmative-action type, my dad died and I cannot figure out how to spend all the money give away news jobs.

What a crock of nonesense. Maybe they should hire a REAL NEWS person to deliver the news. Yeah, novel thought

By jacqline8

Gotta say... I agree with you. I have never liked Al Roker, either. He's not funny and his weather forecasts are often wrong. And the Today Show is infamous for making "journalists" out of the talent-less children of famous people. Can you believe Tim Russart and Jenna Bush as news anchors and correspondents!!? Just exactly what dues did they pay in order to earn those opportunities?

By tomysbac

One down one to go!

By Watson

So sorry to see Meredith go.....No reason to watch anymore...sorry Matt you are stuck with Ann and Al.....bye Today Show!!!

By RJT

Katie Curic sat on the Jay Leno show night before last and called Sarah Palin an airhead, well she said i her way that she didn't think Palin was to bright. "Then get this she's talking up her book and bragging about how mauch it's going to help and she said that the publishers were going to use 2.4 Billion dollars to help 1.7 kids go to college. I would say that she hasn't very much room to talk about anyone else. Besides that she probably got where she's at today on other talents than being intelligent. She really likes to show off her heinie....

By Vickiemjb

Glad she Meredith is gone. I will again watch the Today show which I gave up 5 years ago when she replaced Katie. She now needs to leave Millionaire and I will be a happy camper if we never hear from her again. I wish her luck and hope she decides to do something out of TV.

By Sandy B

Enjoy all of the Today show hosts-mainly because I watch for the issues and I do not believe that many if any of the folk who wake and tune in will watch another morning show

By Frosty

How Corny! LOL

By Matt Lower Common Denominator

"THE TODAY SHOW" IS THE MOST SICKENING SHOW ON TELEVISION...THE FOUR MORONS GET PAID MILLIONS FOR BEING GIGGLING TELEPROMPTER READERS...LAUER THE BALDING WEASEL, ROKER THE WEATHERBLIMP, THE ONE WHO IS LEAVING, AND THE OTHER NON-ENTITY,REPRESENT THE WORST IN BROADCAST MEDIA....TRULY A REPULSIVE SHOW FILLED WITH NON-NEWS FOR THE NON-INTERESTED...OH YEAH MERIDUM-DUM...DON'T SLAM THE DOOR ON THE WAY OUT.

By TK

agree with what's been said about Ann...I'm done and I go back to Dave Garoway. Capas has got to find someone else that won't do an interview and forget who she's talking to. And, that's from a Philly guy like Capas.

What about Maria....she's avail. and would be great.

By kerrry wenrich

the TODAY show just isn't gonna be the same without her

By politico

Ann: I can only remember the Brad Pitt touchy feely thing!!! Sorry!

By crown9495

Let's give Ann Curry a chance. Really love the TODAY show....
a lot more than GMA. Ann has paid her "dues" and earned her
"turn".

She is warm and sincere, too!

By Janet

Good bye to Meredith. She was a bright light on the show. I won't be watching Today in the future. Can't stand Ann or Al. Ann can't even speak and seems flustered most of the time. Al Roker is about the biggest racist I've seen. Kathie Lee is an idiot. I was happy to hear they added an extra hour to Today but when I found out Kathie Lee was hosting I quickly changed my mind. Now with Meredith gone I won't be watching at all.

Sunday 31 July

By John

Al, please show Mat how a real man croses his leg,when talking to a guest.
Mat if you continue crossing your leg,in the same way,then you should consider wearing a dress.

PS WE MISS YOU Meridth, GOOD LUCK

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