Barbara Walters to Announce Retirement on Today's THE VIEW

ABC News reports that veteran anchor Barbara Walters will announce her retirement from TV journalism on today's THE VIEW. The newswoman will leave the air during the summer of 2014.

Until then, she will continue to anchor and report for ABC News, appear on "The View," and anchor specials throughout the year including a "20 Years of 10 Most Fascinating People" special in December, an Oscars special, and a May career retrospective. Walters will remain Executive Producer of "The View," the show she created in 1997.

"I am very happy with my decision and look forward to a wonderful and special year ahead both on 'The View' and with ABC News," she said. "I created 'The View' and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it."

Walters began her career in 1961 at NBC's "Today Show," where she eventually became a co-host. In 1976, Walters moved to the ABC "Evening News where she became the first female anchor on an evening news program. Three years later, she became a co-host of "20/20."

Walters' "Most Fascinating People" special each December, has afforded her the opportunity to chat with stars from Angelina Jolie to Tom Cruise. She has also interviewed every U.S. president and first lady from the Nixons to the current administration. But perhaps one of her favorite contribution to the network has been "The View."

"There's only one Barbara Walters," says ABC News President Ben Sherwood. "And we look forward to making her final year on television as remarkable, path-breaking and news-making as Barbara herself. Barbara will always have a home at ABC News and we look forward to a year befitting her brilliant career, filled with exclusive interviews, great adventures and indelible memories."

PHOTO: ABC/Donna Svennevik

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