Although Josh Elliott was missing on Monday's "Good Morning America," the news of his departure from the show was a hot topic, People reported.
"First, a little news of our own," George Stephanopoulos, co-anchor, announced after brief highlights of the top news.
News anchor Amy Robach was disclosed to have been promoted as the show's new full time co-host, the Hollywood Reporter reported.
"That's going to be your chair," he said after congratulating Robach on her promotion, "the new news anchor right here on 'GMA.'"
He added, "It feels so natural, and that Robach "has been such a big part of our family," filling in during the illness of the show's co-anchor Robin Roberts.
After expressing the entire casts' wishes for Robach, Stephanopoulos touched on Elliott's departure to NBC.
"And, of course, that also means we have some big news about our friend Josh Elliott. He is going back to his roots, reporting on the NFL and the Olympics on NBC Sports," he said. "He let us know last night, and, Josh, it has been a great run with you here on 'GMA.' We're very happy you're going to be pursuing your passion."
Lara Spenser, the show's lifestyle anchor, also expressed her fondness for Elliott, People reported.
"He's our buddy," she said, "and we'll miss him very much."
"Elliott, 42, follows former 'GMA' weather forecaster Sam Champion in his departure from the top-rated ABC morning program," People reported.
Champion said about Elliott, on his new morning show on The Weather Channel, "He's a great guy and a very good friend, and what folks need to understand is just like The Weather Channel was an incredible opportunity for my heart, NBC Sports is a great opportunity for Josh's heart. It puts him right in the middle of the sports world and that is what he loves. ... I know that fans of 'GMA' are not loving it, but it's a happy day for Josh,"
On late Monday morning, Elliott took to Twitter to tweet goodbyes to his ABC News colleagues and congratulate Robach on her new position.
