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Meredith Vieira Says Goodbye to ‘TODAY’ (Video)

Meredith Vieira signed off fromTODAY‘ for the last time Wednesday morning after five years on the job.

The co-host of the NBC program decided in April to leave the show, passing the baton to colleague Anne Curry.

“It’s tough. It’s a hard one. Very mixed emotions. I’m looking at everybody right here and wishing I … no, I know it’s right, but it’s hard,” Vieira said at the top of her last show.

Matt Lauer got right to it in the early part of the show and with Al Roker, Curry and Natalie Morales on hand, introduced a playful montage of some of Merdith’s most memorable moments.

“It’s been a privilege working with you over these past five years,” Lauer said. “And I know the folks at home have enjoyed starting their day with you as well. It has been a great ride.”

Becoming emotional, Vieira spoke about the “power of this show to really reach people and it’s such a blessing to have had that ability. I’m so honored to have sat with all of you.”

Quick with the wit, she added, “Most of you.”

Meredith made the official announcement of her departure last month after rumors that she planned to leave the show popped up in April.

“After months of personal reflection and private conversations between my family and my friends, I’ve decided to leave ‘Today,’ in June,” she said, sitting a couch next to Curry, Matt Lauer and Al Roker.

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Vieira has hosted NBC’s ‘Today’ for the past five years with Lauer, taking over for Katie Couric when she decided to the leave the show in 2006. Before taking on the early morning role, Vieira was the original moderator on ‘The View.’

As co-host of the popular show, Vieira has had her fair share of interesting experiences — all caught on camera for the world to see. ‘The Today Show’ has been replaying some of Vieira’s top moments this week, leading up to today’s farewell show.

Popularity: unranked [?]

 

Katie Couric Deflects Questions About Her Future

There has been frequent speculation lately that Katie Couric will be leaving ‘CBS Evening News‘ for another show, perhaps even for her old gig on ‘Today.’

Couric dodged most of Barbara Walters’ pointed questions today on ‘The View’ about her job status, saying there has been no announcement and her plans, whatever they may be, are not public.

“Will you finally confirm that you’re leaving already?” Walters said.

“I don’t think it’s my place to do that,” said Couric. “I haven’t made a decision. I’m in the middle of discussions.” Couric would say only that she is exploring different opportunities and “figuring things out,” while still enjoying her job at CBS.

Walters asked if anyone could have saved the ‘Evening News,’ a question which made Couric bristle a bit, insisting she was proud of the work, valuing quality over ratings.

Walters tried one last shot, telling Couric that she was doing the right thing. “Well, you don’t know what I’m doing but thank you for saying that,” Couric said. Walters still thinks she has a pretty good idea.

Popularity: unranked [?]

 

Kathie Lee Gifford Has a Hidden Talent

On the Today show this morning, Kathie Lee Gifford was showing off some product that is supposed to make your eyelashes look longer and fuller.

Amazing! However, what’s REALLY amazing is how Kathie Lee Gifford can suck in her left nostril like that!

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Brad Pitt Gets Fondled by Ann Curry

Veteran reporter Ann Curry has anchored NBC’s ‘Dateline’ and ‘Nightly News,’ but her professionalism is no match for the magnetic power of Brad Pitt. In a ‘Today’ show interview, Curry could barely keep her hands to herself, going so far as to grab the actor’s chin.

The two spoke at the Cannes Film Festival where Pitt is promoting his latest film, ‘Inglourious Basterds,’ in a segment that aired during Wednesday’s ‘Today’ show. Curry took a momentary break from pawing the star to discuss how lucky she is to stand in such close proximity to his internationally appreciated hotness.

“Women who watch the ‘Today’ show are really envious of me right now because I get to stand here in Cannes talking to you,” Curry told Pitt, and asked how he would respond to his female fans.

source: Ann Curry and Brad Pitt: Enjoy! [newsday]

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