ABC announced last night that Barbara Walters would officially announce her 2014 retirement on ‘The View’ Monday.
She tweeted this teaser that was linked to an ABC banner headline:
Walters led Monday’s show with a video detailing her long and illustrious career. While wiping away tears, she declared her intention to leave television a year from now after 50 years on the air.
Until next summer Walters, 83, will continue to anchor and report for the network, appear in specials, and continue in her role as executive producer and panelist on ‘The View.’
She said, “I am very happy with my decision and look forward to a wonderful and special year ahead.”
Regarding her future plans, she stated emphatically, “I do not want to appear on another program or climb another mountain. I want instead to sit on a sunny field and admire the very gifted women — and, OK, some men, too — who will be taking my place.”
ABC News President Ben Sherwood said, “There is only one Barbara Walters. We look forward to making her final year on television remarkable, path-breaking and news-making as Barbara herself. We look forward to a year befitting her brilliant career, filled with exclusive interviews, great adventures and indelible memories.”
She ended her announcement by saying, “My cup runneth over. I thank you, I thank you, I thank you.”
A network executive who was seated in the audience for the big announcement, suggested that she might want to consider a stint on ABC’s ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ Bring it on Barbara!
Photos: WENN, Twitter-Barbara Walters