Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

Meredith Vieira Next week marks a major milestone for NBC's "Today Show". Co-host Meredith Vieira is stepping down when she hosts her final show on Wednesday, June 8th. Saying good-bye as co-host of "Today" hasn't been easy. "I know my decision was the right one, but there are moments when it hits me, I'm going to be leaving," she says. Leaving after five years of what she calls a whirlwind dream job. There are the countless interviews with celebrities and politicians and major global events like the royal wedding and olympics. It is her co-workers Vieira says she will miss the most. "It's the people that make the show," she says. Veteran "Today Show" member Ann Curry is trading the news desk for a chair next to Matt Lauer, as Natalie Morales takes Curry's spot. Curry will still cover major news stories, but says she is also looking forward to showing viewers another side. "It's going to be fun,...

 Getty Images: Scott Gries NEW YORK -- Meredith Vieira said Monday that she will leave NBC's "Today" show next month to spend more time with her family, and Ann Curry will replace her as host. The turnover at television's top-rated morning show was anticipated. Vieira replaced Katie Couric five years ago, and has talked about wanting more free time. Vieira, 57, has three children and her husband, author Richard M. Cohen, wrote a best-selling book about coping with multiple sclerosis and colon cancer. "Even as I say this and I know that it's the right thing, I'm really sad," she said, fighting back emotion as she made the announcement on the air Monday. Her co-host, Matt Lauer, said that Vieira "has brought class and dignity and talent and a joy of life to this show for the last five years." Transitions are unusual for "Today," as Vieira was still the newbie among the show's core four that included Lauer, Curry an...