Ann Curry says goodbye to Today (VIDEO)

Ann Curry made the official announcement on the Today show this morning that she is leaving the morning anchor position.

Curry began the show as she normally does, announcing the top headlines of the day, all the while knowing that within the hour she would announce her departure from the Today show after 15 years. 

Curry confirmed the news to USA Today in an interview yesterday. 

"I'm going to have to tell our viewers. That's what makes me more emotional than anything. I don't want to leave them. I love them. And I will really miss them," Curry told USA Today. 

Curry will not be leaving the show completely. She told viewers during her announcement that she will head up a seven person team of her choosing to report on NBC's biggest stories around the world. 

They’re giving me some fancy new title,” Curry explained.

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The Washington Post noted her co-host Matt Lauer also become emotional adding, “It’s not ‘goodbye’ by a long shot. We will continue to put you on planes and you’ll be with us at the Olympics and, most importantly, you’ve made us better, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” 

Reuters reported that the news of Curry's departure was not unexpected, as she came under scrutiny for the program's ratings decline. 

The Today show has yet to announce who will replace Curry, although the Huffington Post is speculating it could be Hoda Kotb from the fourth hour of Today. 

Watch Curry's tearful goodbye in this video: 

Fans also shared their reactions on Twitter: