Ann Curry says goodbye to "Today"

This July 27, 2011 photo shows NBC reporter Ann Curry on the "Today" show in New York.

/ AP/NBC

(CBS News) After much speculation, the "Today" show's Ann Curry announced Thursday she would no longer co-host NBC's morning news program.

Curry's last day today comes after only one year at the post.

Pictures: Ann Curry
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In what became a very tearful and emotional goodbye, Curry said she had been so grateful for the opportunity. "We often call ourselves a family, but you are the real "Today" show family," Curry told viewers.

"I'm sorry I couldn't carry the ball over the finish line, but, man, I did try," a teary-eyed Curry said with her voice cracking. She apologized, too, seemingly for getting so upset during the announcement.

Curry, who started as the show's news anchor in 1997, replaced Meredith Vieira last June as Matt Lauer's partner. Lauer agreed to a long-term contract this spring to stay with the show.

Although she's saying goodbye to "Today," Curry will stay with the network. She signed a new multi-year contract that will find her heading up a seven-person staff and covering stories and specials across NBC platforms, including "Dateline," "Rock Center" and "Today."

"They're giving me some fancy new titles, which essentially means I'll get tickets to every story we want to cover with a terrific team of my choosing," she revealed.

"I wanted to give you the world, and I still do," Curry, 55, said.

Curry confirmed the change earlier to USA Today, revealing, "You know, Matt and I have had great on-air chemistry for 14 years, been part of the No. 1 winning team for a history-making number of years. That said, I just finished my freshman year as co-host. In every single co-host's first year, there have been kinks to be worked out, and perhaps I deserve as much blame for that as anyone."

"Today" lost in the ratings this spring for the first time since 1995.

"I know I am not to blame for the ratings worries," Curry told USA Today. "And my bosses have said to me there are many factors involved."

She announced the news a week after reports leaked about her pending departure. Curry told USA Today she didn't know who was behind the leaks but that it "hurt deeply."

NBC's Savannah Guthrie is expected to replace Curry, though no announcement has been made yet.

Tell us: What do you think about Ann Curry's departure?

31 Photos

Ann Curry

[Jaylah54200]

I think NBC should be ashamed of the way they handled all of this.

And I'm incredulous that Hoda was ever a serious contender for Ann's spot. I mean seriously???? Keep Hoda on the segment with Kathy Lee, so I can easily avoid both of them.

Lastly, Matt had some nerve leaning over to kiss Ann after she said her goodbyes. It was obvious that Ann wasn't at all thrilled with the gesture. It was also a total Judas-move on Matt's part.

[Sdmks123]

Although I like Ann Curry very much as a person, I think she was best in a smaller-scale role and did not do well as anchor. She was awkward at times and not a natural interviewer. It was uncomfortable at times. It seems like her new role will suit her well. It's just sad how it played out so publicly.

[ohPleeeeeeeeze]

I loved her location reports, she wasn't afraid to go to dangerous places like that poodle, Lauer who has the mind set of a man from the 1940's - he's that progressive... Natalie is gorgeous but doesn't get the joke and Al Roker is sort of a nerdy guy who thinks he's all that, plus, does anyone enjoy "SUNday SUNday"??!!

[vielmann]

I've always liked her. I used to like Lauer, but his interview style irritates me. Also, his "funny" antics get a little off. So we get less sophistication now, I guess.

[joshkatie]

I have always preferred the Today show until about 3 years ago when they stooped to having Matt tour Michael Jackson's empty house talking about "This is where Michael Jackson used to sleep." That was too lame for words. And as much as I like the team - including and especially Ann Curry, the day they had Sarah Palin as co-host ended my interest in their morning programing.

[hhandyman]

Id like to see Katie back and mat take a 3 year vacation with no camera to see where in the world he went for that time.. mabe after the 3 years do a special and show him taking his children to school and doing the Mr Mom stuff that he needs to do while his wife gets a turn to be the bread winner for a time..

[ajk_cbsnews]

Ann Curry is what is wrong with the show? BS!

[johnpatrick1]

Nice lady and a good journalist but she is also getting millions so why the tears...millions of others have faaaar more tragic stories than this careerism tale...booooooring!

[wolfmagic2012]

Watch the ratings continue to slide with Lauer at the wheel. The boneheads layed off the wrong person.

[yarnplay]

Ms Curry never quite fit into the style mode that Mr Lauer seemed to prefer: Not soft or cutsey or domestic looking. It was a litte odd to see Ms Curry dressed in bizarre floral prints or strange colors. Of course, Mr. Lauer looks like he could use a good meal and some makeup. Wonder who the suits blame when the ratings fall further. Hoda dodged a bullet.