Rene Syler Bids Farewell

Co-Anchor Leaving Early Show

(CBS)  Rene Syler, one of the four original co-anchors of The Early Show, said so-long at the end of Friday's show.

She is, as co-anchor Harry Smith put it, "embarking on kind of an amazing journey over the next couple of months."

Syler has a book coming out in March, to be called "Good Enough Mother."

The cover features her own kids, Casey and Cole. "Everyone who sees the book cover says, 'Those kids are like right out of Central Casting.'

"It's been my dream and my goal my entire life to write this book, and I thought, 'What am I gonna write about? I'm gonna write about parenting, and my parenting style.' And I do think of it as a style!"

Syler said with a smile, "I come home and my kids are pulling themselves across the hardwood floors in my new 800 thread count sheets and — (shriek in exasperation). The idea was, I have so many friends, these mothers who are making themselves crazy trying to be perfect for their kids. I say you don't have to be perfect just good enough, and that's where it came from. An example: This really did happen last weekend. I took my son to an 11:30 birthday that started at 9:30. Happens all the time!"

Smith noted that Syler is trying to have the book made into a TV show.

On a much more serious note, Syler reveals that she is having a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy next month.

Smith pointed out that, "Both of your parents had breast cancer, you have had a couple of very serious scares with breast cancer and, for months now, we've had this ongoing conversation about what you've been talking about in terms of doing something in a proactive way about it for yourself."

"The thing is," Syler explained, "every year, I would go in for a mammogram, which is what you're supposed to do, women over 40, unless you have a family history, and then you start earlier. But, I've been going in every year, and every year I'd have a mammogram and that would be followed by a biopsy. The last one was aggressive and just felt like I needed to come up with a long-term solution for this."

Syler concluded by thanking her Early Show makeup artist, hairdresser, and assistant, along with the show's producers and her "on-air family."

Then, a warm wave goodbye to viewers.

[tehope-2009]

Hurry Back!!!!!!!! Thomas

[tehope-2009]

Thank you Rene` Syler for a wonderful run as co-anchor of the CBS Early Show. You have brought the morning news with ultimate professionalism and dignity. Speaking for all of your fans, we are sad that you are leaving the Early Show, but we understand and wish you strength and success in all that life has to offer. May God Bless you and your family and we will be looking for your book, "Good Enough Mother" on the New York best Sellers List.Sincerly, Thomas Hope and the Fans of Rene` Syler

[barbarast59]

You are a strong wonderful woman and now add role model to that. God bless you!

[thomderr]

May God bless you and yours, may your future be bright!
You will be missed!

[hermit22]

May you live to be a healthy, happy OLD OLD lady!

[grandhoney]

Being a 45 yr old African American woman from Dallas, Texas, I was a fan and watched Renee when she was here. When she moved and began on the Early Show I switched morning shows and began to watch The Early show. I enjoy seeing diversity. I will miss seeing her Caramel Colored, pretty smiling self! I hope the door was left open for her to come back when she's ready. She's wonderful and I will miss her and The Early Show!

[jms1969]

Rene, I have enjoyed your style and sensitivity in reporting and questioning your guests. I also have enjoyed your jewelry over the course of time - you are one classy lady. I wish you the best and will be praying that God will give you great peace during your time of surgery. My mother had a mastectomy at age 72 and died 10 years later of cancer, but she fought and was a graceful survivor. I think with your aggressive action, you will have many, many years ahead with your family and friends. I will miss seeing you. God Bless. Jean Solomonson, Kansas

[powerofpink]

Rene,I hope you get this information.. First of all I will miss you in the morning. But you are now on a journey of you own. I have had a bilatal mastectomy 2 years ago followed by reconstrution by Dr's in New Orleons who have perfected the DIEP procedure. Nearly 100% success rate. This is done with your own tissue not muscle. You are treated with royalty. Please check the web page and call them.
www.breast center.com
Charlene Larson, Michigan

[powerofpink]

Rene,I hope you get this information.. First of all I will miss you in the morning. But you are now on a journey of you own. I have had a bilatal mastectomy 2 years ago followed by reconstrution by Dr's in New Orleons who have perfected the DIEP procedure. Nearly 100% success rate. This is done with your own tissue not muscle. You are treated with royalty. Please check the web page and call them.
www.breast center.com
Charlene Larson, Michigan

[powerofpink]

Rene,I hope you get this information.. First of all I will miss you in the morning. But you are now on a journey of you own. I have had a bilatal mastectomy 2 years ago followed by reconstrution by Dr's in New Orleons who have perfected the DIEP procedure. Nearly 100% success rate. This is done with your own tissue not muscle. You are treated with royalty. Please check the web page and call them.
www.breast center.com
Charlene Larson, Michigan

[powerofpink]

Rene,I hope you get this information.. First of all I will miss you in the morning. But you are now on a journey of you own. I have had a bilatal mastectomy 2 years ago followed by reconstrution by Dr's in New Orleons who have perfected the DIEP procedure. Nearly 100% success rate. This is done with your own tissue not muscle. You are treated with royalty. Please check the web page and call them.
www.breast center.com
Charlene Larson, Michigan

[grandberries]

Rene Syler,

You were just as graceful in your exit as you were the first day you arrived. I wanted to cry today. You were the reason why I watched the show. I told my husband that you are a class act. Your personality and humor will be missed. I could really relate to you. You are so real and it shows. I liked the chemistry you had with Harry, Hanna, and Dave. What a remarkable woman you are. Today, showed me that you are the best of the best. You will be so missed.

This was just the beginning for you. Ready for the book! I am a supporter. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.

I am praying for you here in Georgia for a speedy recovery with your surgery.

In your absence, CBS has some BIG shoes to fill.

Georgia Girl

[pocalatte]

I was definitely saddened to hear this morning that Rene was leaving. She is amazing and I love her attitude. I met Rene at the Race for the Cure in Washington, DC and she was very warm and uplifting. I am proud of Renee for making her decision and I know that she has the support of many people. Rene will be in my prayers. I wish her the best of luck and will look forward to reading her book and seeing her on air again...she will truly be missed! Keep smiling Rene!
~Mellanie~

[oldanalyst]

My wife and I have been watching Rene on the Early Show since she began. She is a warm, intelligent, humorous and friendly person. We wish her well and hope she visits the show some time.

[gloverlf]

I was saddened to hear that Rene is leaving the Early Show. I feel like she, as well as the rest of the anchors, is family. She will be missed by everyone and she is very loved and respected by all her viewers. I wish her great success with her book and my prayers are with her on this huge decision for her health. She is a very brave woman and wish her all the best. I hope she will return one day.
Linda

[missnaz]

Rene Syler will be missed - she is one of the best elements of the Early Show.

I wish her much success and hope to see her on TV again soon.

[martinab1]

Rene was not your conventional woman, she was much more.......I felt that I had known her for years and will miss that smile and laugh on the Early Show. Much success on her book, it should do well.

A Mom who could have used it 20 years ago,
Martina Christie

[pqcomfort]

I am a viewer who doesn't write in to "shows" etc., but today when I heard that Rene was leaving the Early Show, I wanted to write in and say how much I have enjoyed her over the last few years. Recently, I heard Rene speak at the Charlotte Women's Show - I was a vendor and was excited to hear that she was one of the feature speakers. She is truly a warm and engaging woman, who will be greatly missed. I look forward to her book being published and hope to follow her career for many years. Good Luck Rene!
Laurie Smith