Farewell, Diane Sawyer!
In a quick and heartfelt farewell on Wednesday, the 68-year-old TV journalist officially stepped down from ABC's "World News Tonight" after five years as an anchor. Sawyer, one of television news' best-known personalities, has anchored the network's nightly news show since December 2009.
"And now it is time to say goodnight," Sawyer said. "I just want you to know what a deep privilege it has been to sit in the anchor chair at World News these years, the flagship broadcast of ABC, where Peter Jennings created a signature of such curiosity and courage. It has been wonderful to be the home port for the brave and brilliant forces of ABC News around the world - and to feel, every single night, that you and I were in a conversation about the day together."
She added: "Sometimes, as we know, there have been tough stories on 'World News,' but you always made it clear, like me, you believed that better will come, that the future is one of possibility."
"20/20" anchor David Muir will be taking Sawyer's place starting next Tuesday. She assured viewers they were in "strong and steady hands" with Muir.
Sawyer reminded viewers that she is only moving "down the hall and up the stairs" to lead programming, where she will tackle bigger "issues and extraordinary interviews" based on the stories of average people. She added that she is "not slowing down, but gearing up in a new way."
She ended the broadcast on a personal note, saying that she looked forward to spending more time with her children and grandchildren.
"With gratitude for these years, I thank you and I'll see you right back here on ABC News very soon," she concluded.
