Vieira ends her run on ‘Today’ show

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Meredith Vieira has spent her last morning hosting TV’s most-watched morning show.

The popular “Today” co-anchor ended her five-year run Wednesday, telling viewers her decision to go is “right, but it’s hard.”

That decision was clearly hers alone. Seated beside co-host Matt Lauer, she has helped keep “Today” the audience front-runner among network morning shows. The 57-year-old Vieira has explained she wants to spend more time with her family.

Lauer called Vieira’s final day “a very bittersweet Wednesday morning.”

The broadcast made room for news about the nation’s severe-heat advisories and scandal-ridden Congressman Anthony Weiner’s Twitter woes. But throughout the show, tributes and highlight reels honored Vieira’s “Today” tenure.

Vieira wiped her eyes as she was serenaded by Carole King with a Vieira favorite, “You’ve Got a Friend.” Then, spontaneously, she led the “Today” gang across the studio to gather around King at the piano.

Later, in a creative and technical tour de force, Vieira was surprised with a starring role in a live music video to the tune of Journey’s rousing classic “Don’t Stop Believin’.”