It's official: Ann Curry will replace Meredith Vieira on 'Today'
Monday on NBC's "Today," Meredith Vieira made an emotional announcement that she will leave the morning show in June, with Ann Curry taking over as co-anchor. "This is a difficult day for me -- I'm gonna try to hold myself together here -- but after months of personal reflection and private conversations with my family and my friends, I've decided to leave 'Today,'" said Vieira, adding that she'd like to spend more time with her family. (Her husband has long battled multiple sclerosis and cancer.) She will continue in a new role at NBC News, with an official announcement due in the coming months.
Curry, who's been with the show 14 years, will transition from her post as news anchor, with Natalie Morales taking over that role. "I feel like the high school computer nerd who was just asked to the prom by the quarterback of the football team," Curry said on the air on Monday. But she added, “I think this day is really Meredith's. Meredith, I just want you to know you've been a gift to this broadcast. You have been generous, and you have been a great girlfriend."
The announcement was expected but was delayed due to last week's news about Osama Bin Laden's death. Co-anchor Matt Lauer said of Vieira, "She has brought class and dignity and talent and a joy of life to this show over these last five years, and we will miss you like crazy."
Lauer said of his new co-anchor, "Ann has been such a key member of this show ... has brought her warmth and desire to tell important stories to 'Today.'" Turning to Curry he said, "I know you'll continue to do that, so congratulations."
-- Melissa Maerz
Are they kidding?
Posted by: Katela | May 09, 2011 at 08:00 AM
Her leaving will create a void.
Posted by: Mickey | May 09, 2011 at 08:09 AM
Anne should of had this position,already!
Finally!
Posted by: odocken | May 09, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Maybe they'll make her quit saying 'hey' every time she opens a segment.
Nice but dull person with the personality of warm flan. I predict a ratings downswing.
Posted by: Susan2 | May 09, 2011 at 12:44 PM
About time. Ann needed to be moved up; "Matt, Katie, and Al" --> "Matt, Ann and Al."
And Vieira is not such a devastating loss since she's only been there five years. I don't know how long Katie had been on there, but that is more of a loss. Ann needed more accredidation for being a part of the show so long, so lonely over there at her little desk....
Posted by: m.morales | May 09, 2011 at 03:08 PM
Holy Cow this is a bad move. I've been watching this show for 15 years and I can't stand Ann Curry. She is possibly one of the worst interviewers in history. It's just so uncomfortable to watch her stumble through an interview.
Posted by: James | May 09, 2011 at 09:31 PM
Will NBC ask Curry to start washing and combing her hair? I can't believe she was elevated to this level. She is as dud as a bag of hammers.
Posted by: Cleo Reddy | May 12, 2011 at 08:06 AM