Norah O’Donnell bid an emotional farewell to her role as anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News on Thursday, January 23, marking the end of a five-year tenure that solidified her as one of journalism’s most respected voices. Her heartfelt goodbye was met with accolades from colleagues and a touching retrospective on her impact, underscoring the legacy she leaves behind as she transitions to a new chapter at CBS.
A Tribute to Excellence
In a poignant sendoff, media icon Oprah Winfrey shared a reflective tribute to O’Donnell’s five years at the helm of CBS Evening News. Highlighting her unwavering dedication to delivering hard news with heart, Winfrey praised O’Donnell for her ability to provide grace, context, and humanity in her reporting.
“Through countless hours of breaking news, and nearly 1,300 broadcasts, Norah, you’ve treated each story with grace and compassion,” Winfrey said. “Your work…has not only won awards but, more importantly, has informed our nation and made such a difference.”
The segment showcased key moments from O’Donnell’s time as anchor, from breaking news coverage to feature stories that resonated deeply with audiences.
O’Donnell’s Final Words
As she took her final bow on CBS Evening News, O’Donnell delivered a heartfelt message to viewers, emphasizing the profound responsibility and privilege of her role.
“This has been the honor of a lifetime to anchor this legacy broadcast,” she said, noting the historic significance of CBS Evening News as the longest-running evening newscast in America.
She expressed gratitude to the dedicated teams behind the scenes, including correspondents, producers, and researchers who tirelessly worked to bring the news to life.
“Journalism matters. I know that because I’ve heard it from so many of you—our viewers,” O’Donnell continued. “So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting us and welcoming hard news with heart into your homes.”
Her genuine appreciation resonated with colleagues and viewers alike, culminating in an emotional round of applause as she signed off for the final time:
“I will miss you too. So, for the final time, that’s tonight’s CBS Evening News. I owe it all to everyone I work with. Seriously. Love you. Good night.”
A New Chapter for O’Donnell
O’Donnell’s departure from the anchor desk doesn’t mark the end of her journey with CBS. Announced in July, her transition to a new role will see her focus on long-form reporting and high-profile interviews for CBS’s primetime specials, Sunday Morning, and 60 Minutes. This shift aligns with her journalistic strengths, allowing her to dive deeper into stories that matter most.
Reflecting on the importance of her work, O’Donnell reiterated her commitment to storytelling and the responsibility that comes with informing the public:
“This is not a goodbye; it’s an evolution of how I can continue to contribute to the stories that shape our world.”
A New Era for CBS Evening News
Taking O’Donnell’s place as co-anchors are veteran CBS journalist John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, a longtime anchor for CBS New York. The pair will assume their roles on January 27, marking a significant transition for the broadcast as it moves its studio back to New York City from Washington, D.C.
DuBois, a New York native, expressed gratitude to viewers and excitement for this next chapter.
“This is my hometown. And without the viewers, there is no us,” he said. “So thank you for everything over the years—we’ll keep going at a different time.”
Dickerson, known for his thoughtful analysis and expertise in political journalism, also brings a wealth of experience to the role. Together, the duo promises to uphold the high standards of journalism that CBS Evening News represents.
O’Donnell’s Legacy
Throughout her tenure, O’Donnell cemented her reputation as a trusted voice in journalism, bringing empathy and clarity to some of the most pressing stories of our time. Her ability to connect with audiences while delivering hard-hitting news earned her both critical acclaim and viewer loyalty.
Her impact extends beyond the anchor desk. Under her leadership, CBS Evening News earned accolades for its reporting, with stories that shed light on critical issues and elevated the voices of those often overlooked.
As she embarks on her new role, O’Donnell leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and dedication—a standard for future journalists to aspire to.
