For nearly a decade, Norah O’Donnell became a familiar
face for millions of Americans who started their day with ‘CBS This
Morning.’ Whether she was interviewing world leaders or sharing heartfelt
moments with ordinary heroes, O’Donnell’s presence became a comforting constant
— someone viewers could rely on for calm, sharp reporting in an increasingly
chaotic news cycle.
But on one emotional morning in May, 2019, that
chapter came to an end. O’Donnell, then 45, delivered her final goodbye,
leaving fans emotional and nostalgic. However, this farewell wasn’t just a
personal goodbye — it was a symbolic shift for CBS itself, as the
network prepared for a major shake-up across its flagship programs.
A New Era — and a New Role —
Begins
O’Donnell wasn’t leaving CBS entirely. Instead, she
was stepping into one of the most prestigious and demanding roles in
American journalism: anchor and managing editor of ‘CBS Evening News.’
This move placed her in the seat once occupied by broadcasting legends like
Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather, while also making her only the third solo
female anchor of a major network evening newscast, following Diane
Sawyer and Katie Couric.
With this promotion, O’Donnell also became the lead
anchor for political events and a contributor to ‘60 Minutes,’
cementing her place among the network’s most influential journalists.
An On-Air Farewell That Left
Viewers in Tears
O’Donnell’s farewell wasn’t a simple goodbye. CBS
pulled out all the stops, airing an emotional video montage that captured some
of her most memorable moments. From her interviews with the Dalai Lama
and Prince Harry to her candid conversations with James Taylor,
the montage was a reminder of how deeply O’Donnell had become woven into the
fabric of morning television.
The segment also featured personal messages
from O’Donnell’s family. Her son Henry’s playful promise — “Can’t wait to
have a before-school breakfast with you!” — added a heartwarming, personal
touch.
As the tribute continued, famous friends and
colleagues chimed in. Anderson Cooper, Robin Roberts, and evening
news anchors Lester Holt (NBC) and David Muir (ABC) all sent warm
wishes, underscoring the deep respect O’Donnell commands across the industry.
By the time the montage ended, O’Donnell was visibly
moved, her eyes brimming with tears as she addressed her colleagues and
viewers one final time.
“The best is yet to come,” she said, her voice
catching slightly. “That’s for all of us at CBS News.”
Gratitude, Friendship, and a
Legacy Built on Teamwork
O’Donnell made sure to acknowledge the team behind
the scenes, from producers to camera operators, and of course, her fellow
co-hosts Gayle King and John Dickerson.
“We’ve made news, we’ve been in the news, but we’ve
also made friendships,” she said, her voice full of warmth and sincerity. “This
is the greatest team on television.”
King, who remained with the show, returned the
sentiment: “What you should know is we are cheering you on.”
Behind the Scenes Shakeup —
Why O’Donnell (and John Dickerson) Left
The emotional farewell wasn’t just about personal
growth. O’Donnell’s departure came amid a sweeping transformation at CBS
News, spearheaded by Susan Zirinsky, who had recently become the
first female president of CBS News.
Zirinsky’s bold shake-up aimed to revive ratings
for both ‘CBS This Morning’ and ‘CBS Evening News,’ which had
been struggling to keep up with competitors NBC and ABC.
As part of the reshuffle, John Dickerson also
left the morning show, moving to ‘60 Minutes’ and taking on a key role
in CBS’s election coverage. This left Gayle King as the sole
anchor to remain, joined by new co-hosts Anthony Mason and Tony
Dokoupil.
This wasn’t the only dramatic change at CBS that year.
In April, Bianna Golodryga, who had only joined ‘This Morning’ six
months prior, was relieved of her duties after reportedly clashing with
management. Golodryga exercised her contractual right to exit the network
entirely.
A Career Built on Hard Work
— and a New Challenge Ahead
As she prepared to take the reins at ‘CBS Evening
News,’ O’Donnell quoted the legendary Walter Cronkite himself:
“I can’t imagine a person becoming a success in life
without giving everything they’ve got,” she said. “And so I’m gonna give this
everything I’ve got.”
It was a fitting declaration for a journalist whose
career has been defined by relentless preparation, tireless work ethic, and
deep respect for the craft of reporting.
A Moment of Reflection — and
a Message for Women in Journalism
O’Donnell’s promotion also carried symbolic weight,
especially for women in journalism. Her appointment as only the third
solo female evening news anchor served as a reminder that while progress
has been made, the upper echelons of network news remain overwhelmingly
male-dominated.
Her success, particularly in the high-pressure world
of political reporting and evening news, sends a powerful message to the
next generation of female journalists — that with talent, grit, and
determination, glass ceilings can still be broken.
The Bigger Picture — What
O’Donnell’s Move Says About TV News Today
Her farewell wasn’t just about one anchor leaving a
show — it was a sign of how much morning TV (and network news overall) has
evolved.
With streaming services, podcasts, and social media
influencers all competing for attention, the traditional morning show
formula faces more pressure than ever to stay relevant. Personalities
like O’Donnell, who balance gravitas with relatability, have become
essential to keeping these programs afloat.
As viewers watched her say goodbye, many couldn’t help
but wonder: Is this just a changing of the guard, or the end of an era for
morning television as we know it?
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