It appears this time it's more official than the last Barbara Walters is retiring rumors in March.
The Hollywood Reporter claimed moments ago ABC's longtime newswoman will announce on Monday's The View that she will retire next summer:
Walters, who will turn 84 in September, intends to remain on The View through next season and will step down after the season wraps in summer 2014. She’ll continue to be a co-executive producer of the show and will be involved in selecting new co-hosts to replace Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Behar announced in March that she’ll depart after the current season. Hasselbeck has yet to confirm that she’s leaving the show. [...]
In a statement released by ABC News on Sunday night Walters said: "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. I created The View and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it.”
ABC News president Ben Sherwood added: "There's only one Barbara Walters. 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."
