“How do you begin to say thank you for 22 amazing years? I think back to my early days cutting my teeth at WVIT in Hartford, CT then taking the huge and—at the time—petrifying leap to MSNBC and alas— scoring the golden tickets to the Today Show and Dateline. Never in a million years did I imagine this when I dreamed of what I wanted to be when I grew up,” the TODAY anchor wrote. “This first half of my life has been one full of adventure, challenges, travel, way too many early wake-up calls, and, yes, opportunities to witness history unfold and to tell inspiring and impactful stories that will always be in my mind’s highlight reel,” she continued. “Speaking of that reel: I watched my family grow up along with so many of your own children, and as my oldest son gets ready to spread his wings and head to college soon, so too do I feel the time is right, (before the second half of my life) to spread my own wings and to pursue a new adventure.” Morales began her television career at NBC affiliate WVIT in Hartford, Conn., in the 1990s shortly after graduating from Rutgers University. In 2006, she was named a correspondent for TODAY and was upped to news anchor status in 2011 when she replaced Ann Curry. She later moved to Los Angeles to be a correspondent and anchor for the network’s entertainment news show Access. She’s covered massive news stories including the 2000 presidential election, the Sept. 11 terror attacks, the Iraq War, and the 2003 blackouts in the Northeast. In 2016, Morales transitioned to anchoring the West Coast edition of TODAY. She also serves as a contributor for Dateline since 2020, and she will finish off the rest of 2021 on the primetime news documentary series. “To my Dateline and TODAY show families, it’s very hard to say goodbye … and we all know in this business it’s never goodbye but see you later. I’m eternally grateful for the support and deep friendships that will remain no matter where our paths lead,” Morales wrote in her memo. “I have so much to be thankful for and for every one of you who helped me get here… muchísimas gracias mis amigos.”
When is Natalie Morales’ first day on The Talk?
On October 5, Morales confirmed that her first day will be on Oct. 11, 2021. “Let the fun begin! Can’t believe I’m here… @thetalkcbs!! See you for real on Oct 11th!” she wrote on Instagram. The Talk airs weekdays 2 pm ET/1 pm PT on CBS and ParamountPlus.
Who are The Talk cohosts?
Morales will be the latest new addition to The Talk, which has seen more departures since the unceremonious exit of Sharon Osbourne. In August, Elaine Welterothannounced she was leaving the show after a single season. In the same month, Carre Ann Inabaalso stepped down from the panel permanently after taking a leave of absence to focus on her health. Jerry O’Connelljoined The Talk as a permanent co-host this season, as has Akbar Gbajabiamila. Rounding out the table are Amanda Klootsand Sheryl Underwood. “Wow I’m so lucky to work with these four awesome people! @amandakloots @akbar_gbaja @mrjerryoc @sherylunderwood What a fun promotion day! See you all soon on @thetalkcbs Monday Oct 11th,” Morales shared. Before that, Morales did post a celebratory photo on Instagram hinting at a bright future. “To new beginnings,” she captioned a snapshot with husband Joe Rhodes clinking bottles of Corona. “A toast to anyone who is taking on something new.. and no matter how scary … good things will come when you least expect it!” Next, look back at everyone who’s sat at The Talk table—and find out why some of them left the show.
