"Now it is time to say goodnight. I want you to know what a deep privilege it has been to sit in the World News chair," Diane Sawyer said tonight, ending her five years as the anchor of ABC's flagship newscast.
Though she is leaving World News, she will stay with ABC News and will continue to conduct interviews and create specials for the newtork.
"I'm not going far. Down the hall and up the stairs," Sawyer told viewers. "I am not slowing down. I am gearing up in a new way — already at work on the stories that take you into the real lives around us, the ones we barely get to see."
During the program after a "Made in America" segment, Sawyer also assured viewers that they were in good hands when David Muir takes over the broadcast next Monday.
"You have seen David Muir at this desk, in this chair so many times. You know his command and commitment to bringing you the news," Sawyer said. "I cannot wait to see you in high gear."
Muir responded by saying, "It has been an honor sitting across from you.
Towards the end of the broadcast, she took us behind the scenes to thank all of the people who put the newscast together. She made this, her final newscast, about them - not about her.
There was no tributes to Diane, and all of the work that she has done - there was just appreciation from her to all of the people that helped her do it.
We wish all the best to Diane Sawyer, and will miss her on the broadcast every night!
Watch a edited version of Diane's last newscast here:
Watch the full newscast here:
