This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22507444

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Barbara Walters to confirm retirement plans on TV show Barbara Walters confirms retirement plans on TV show
(about 21 hours later)
Veteran US broadcaster Barbara Walters is to announce she will retire in 2014. Veteran US broadcaster Barbara Walters has announced she will retire in 2014.
The ABC network said Walters would confirm the plans on Monday's edition of The View, the all-female daytime talk show she created in 1997. Walters confirmed the plans on Monday's edition of The View, the ABC all-female daytime talk show she created in 1997.
Since her career began in 1961, she has interviewed Michael Jackson, Cuba's Fidel Castro and every US president and first lady since Richard Nixon.Since her career began in 1961, she has interviewed Michael Jackson, Cuba's Fidel Castro and every US president and first lady since Richard Nixon.
The 83-year-old was the first woman to anchor a daily network television news show in 1976.The 83-year-old was the first woman to anchor a daily network television news show in 1976.
"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," Walters said in a statement. "It has been an absolutely joyful, rewarding, challenging, fascinating, and occasionally bumpy ride. And I wouldn't change a thing," she told viewers.
"I created The View and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it. I'm perfectly healthy. This is my decision. I've been thinking about it a long time. This is what I want to do," she added.
IrreplaceableIrreplaceable
"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.''
Walters' career in TV journalism began at NBC's morning news and entertainment programme, The Today Show, which she co-hosted for 15 years before moving to rival network ABC to co-host the Evening News, a first for a female journalist.Walters' career in TV journalism began at NBC's morning news and entertainment programme, The Today Show, which she co-hosted for 15 years before moving to rival network ABC to co-host the Evening News, a first for a female journalist.
ABC said in March Walters planned to retire in May 2014 after more than five decades as a prominent figure on US television.ABC said in March Walters planned to retire in May 2014 after more than five decades as a prominent figure on US television.
On Sunday, ABC News president Ben Sherwood said: "There is only one Barbara Walters.On Sunday, ABC News president Ben Sherwood 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," he added."We look forward to making her final year on television as remarkable, path-breaking and news-making as Barbara herself," he added.
Walters suffered periods of ill health over the past three years, including open heart surgery in 2010. Walters has had periods of ill health over the past three years, including open heart surgery in 2010.
In January 2013, she suffered concussion after a fall, and was then diagnosed with chicken pox, causing her to miss more than a month of work.In January 2013, she suffered concussion after a fall, and was then diagnosed with chicken pox, causing her to miss more than a month of work.