Barbara Walters will host her last day of ABC’s “The View” on May 16 as she makes her exit after 17 years, the network announced Monday.
“Walters will continue to executive produce ’The View,’ and will be a lifelong member of ABC News, contributing as news warrants,” ABC News reported. The network will also air a two-hour special highlighting her life and career on May 16 from 9 to 11 p.m. ET.
“In this business there are legends, there are icons, and then there is Barbara Walters,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive of the Walt Disney Co.
“She’s a dear friend and colleague as well as someone I deeply admire, and it’s impossible to fully convey her impact and influence on television. She broke barriers, defied convention, made history and set the standard for journalistic excellence for more than 50 years. It’s hard to imagine television without her,” he said.
Miss Walters, 84, began in television in 1961 and joined ABC in 1976, becoming the first female anchor on an evening news program.
ABC News headquarters in New York City will be named in her honor during a dedication ceremony that will take place this spring, ABC said.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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