Barbara Walters reportedly to retire in May 2014

The 83-year-old broadcast journalist has been a presence on television for 52 years

Published March 28, 2013 6:50PM (EDT)

Barbara Walters is reportedly retiring from television in 2014. According to Deadline's Nellie Andreeva, who first broke the story:

"I’ve learned a plan has been put in place for Walters to announce her retirement, eyed for May 2014. Fitting for Walters’ status as the grand dame of TV journalism and a signature face of 'ABC News,' I hear she would be given a big sendoff with retrospectives and other special content in the weeks leading to her retirement that would celebrate her 52-year broadcast career. Walters had been determined to leave on her own terms, so it is unclear whether revealing the plans would make her change her mind and whether she would go for a full retirement or keep some TV presence with occasional appearances and specials."

The news comes a few weeks after Walters was hospitalized for chicken pox, causing speculation that the 83-year-old journalist and 20-year "20/20" anchor might retire soon.

The Huffington Post has confirmed the news independently with an inside source as well.

 


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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