ABC's Diane Sawyer has signed off from the World News anchor's desk for good.
"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," Sawyer said in the final minutes of Wednesday's broadcast, her last after five years at the helm.
Though she's leaving World News, Sawyer will remain with ABC News in another capacity. ABC News president James Goldston has said Sawyer will continue to conduct interviews and create specials for the network
"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."
Earlier in the program, Sawyer also praised David Muir, who has been tapped as her replacement.
"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 returned the compliment, saying, "It has been an honor sitting across from you."
Before anchoring World News, Sawyer's long career at ABC also included time at Good Morning America and the newsmagazine Primetime. She has conducted some of the network's most-watched interviews during her tenure.
Emali: Aaron.Couch@THR.com
Twitter: @AaronCouch
