Barbara Walters will be retiring. The chat show veteran has decided to end her phenomenal TV career in 2014.

"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. I do not want to appear on another program or climb another mountain. I want instead to sit on a sunny field and admire the very gifted women - and, OK, some men, too - who will be taking my place," she said in a statement.

The 83-year-old star - who will continue to serve as executive producer of The View - began her career in 1961 and has spent five decades at the forefront of television. She co-hosted NBC's morning news program, The Today Show, for 15 years before moving over to ABC to co-host the Evening News. Ben Sherwood, ABC News President, said, "There is only one Barbara Walters. We look forward to making her final year on television as remarkable, path-breaking and news-making as Barbara herself. We look forward to a year befitting her brilliant career filled with exclusive interviews, great adventures and indelible memories."