It's been rumored for weeks, but Meredith Vieira made her announcement today that she's leaving the Today Show next month to spend time with her family, appropriately enough the Monday after a holiday that's all about moms and families. Is it too soon to say I'm excited? 
 
 Because as Vieira steps aside, NBC is finally recognizing its own familial obligations. They're moving 14-year Today Show veteran Ann Curry, a dedicated member of the NBC family, out of the newsreader/substitute anchor position and into the forefront. My favorite woman in the news is finally getting her due. It was about darn time. 
 
 Passed over in 2006 when Katie Couric jumped ship for the CBS Evening News, Curry could have thrown a hissy at the time. News anchor at Today since 1997, the mother of two was already an Emmy Award-winning journalist, a co-host on Dateline NBC, and a regular substitute on the NBC Evening News. But there are two brass rings in TV news: the morning anchor slot and the evening. Curry was flirting with both but grabbing neither when Vieira was brought in from The View. 
 
 Why she didn't cause a stir then was never more apparent than this morning, when she demurred in the classic Ann Curry way when finally offered her chance to crow about her new gig. "I feel like the high school computer nerd who was just asked to the prom by the quarterback of the football team," Curry said, before turning the spotlight back on Vieira. "You have been a gift to this broadcast," she said, launching into an homage that came thisclose to begging the departing anchor to keep the job. Just watch: 
 
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 The thing is, Ann Curry's soft-spokenness isn't an act. She's really nice. Too darn nice. She's getting THE gig to beat all gigs, and she's genuinely upset about losing a girlfriend. I like this woman, but come on Ann! You deserve this! 
 
 I'd wager this honest kindness is exactly what works for her. This is why she seems to get the big interviews (Lance Armstrong, it seems, will only talk to Ann; Angelina Jolie is a clear fan). And I dare say why America tunes in. Hey, it's not for Roker's jokes -- that's for sure. Now here's hoping she enjoys it! 
 
 Are you sad to see Meredith Vieira leaving? Can you think of a better replacement than Ann Curry? 
 
 Image via MSNBC 

 Meredith Vieira said Monday that she will leave NBC's "Today" show next month to spend more time with her family, and Ann Curry will replace her as host. 
 
 In this May 6, 2010 photo, "Today" show co-hosts Ann Curry, left, and Meredith Vieira attend the 9th Annual Women Who Care Luncheon benefitting United Cerebal Palsy of NYC at Cipriani's 42nd Street, in... (Associated Press) 
 
 The turnover at television's top-rated morning show was anticipated. Vieira replaced Katie Couric five years ago, and has talked about wanting more free time. Vieira, 57, has three children and her husband, author Richard M. Cohen, wrote a best-selling book about coping with multiple sclerosis and colon cancer. 
 
 "Even as I say this and I know that it's the right thing, I'm really sad," she said, fighting back emotion as she made the announcement on the air Monday. 
 
 Her co-host, Matt Lauer, said that Vieira "has brought class and dignity and talent and a joy of life to this show for the last five years." 
 
 Transitions are unusual for "Today," as Vieira was still the newbie among the show's core four that included Lauer, Curry and Al Roker. 
 
 It's been a period of tumult on the network morning shows over the past few months. On the second-place "Good Morning America" on ABC, new lifestyle anchor Lara Spencer started about the same time Vieira was making her announcement. The show's new newsreader, Josh Elliott, began last week. 
 
 "The Early Show" on CBS completely revamped its on-air talent during the winter. 
 
 Curry has been with "Today" since 1997 as the news anchor. Passed over for the top job five years ago when Vieira was chosen, she stuck with the show and carved out a new reputation as a globe-trotting reporter. She was in Pakistan last week following the killing of Osama bin Laden. 
 
 "I feel like the high school computer nerd who has just been asked to the prom by the quarterback of the football team," Curry said. 
 
 Natalie Morales, an anchor for the third of the show's four hours, will become the regular newsreader. "Today" also announced that Savannah Guthrie will become a host of the show's third hour with Morales and Roker. 
 
 "Today" is careful to cultivate the image of family, and made the announcement with the five regulars seated on a couch, tossing off jokes to blunt emotion. 
 
 Vieira says she'll leave the show in June. 
 
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 NBC is owned by NBC Universal. 
 
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 http://on.today.com/jzYzIe
– Meredith Vieira today confirmed the rumor that's been going around for a while: She is leaving Today in June. As expected, Ann Curry will replace her as Matt Lauer's co-host. An emotional Vieira said she is "sad" to leave but looking forward to spending more time with her family; the AP notes that her husband has struggled with multiple sclerosis and colon cancer. Click for one reaction to the news of Curry's long-awaited promotion.