It’s official!  Television’s most widespread, high-stakes rumor of the year is now television history.  At 7:30 this morning, Pacific Daylight Time, from the Today show desk she shares with co-anchor Matt Lauer, Katie Couric, the longest-serving (15 years) anchor in Today‘s 54-year history, told America, “After listening to my heart and my gut, two things that have served me pretty well in the past, I’ve decided that I’ll be leaving Today at the end of May.  It was really a very difficult decision for a lot of different reasons.”

Couric went on to acknowledge and thank the show’s loyal and massive audience, “I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the support you all have given me.”

She explained, “Another reason this decision is difficult is my relationships with the people on this wonderful show….The notion that we’re a family is not just some cheesy promotional device.  I really care about everyone here.”

Of her co-host Matt Lauer, Katie proclaimed, “I could not have asked for a more talented partner or a better friend.  Just as Dorothy said to the Scarecrow, ‘I think I’m going to miss him most of all.’”

Beyond the departure announcement, the 49-year-old Couric confirmed that she would be working on CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes.

Read More | MSNBC