Katie Couric announced today - more like confirmed today - that she would be leaving the Today show at the end of May. She will be leaving to anchor the evening news at CBS and contribute to 60 minutes.
For several years, I like to wake up with the Today show. Since about June 2002, I go downstairs every morning, eat breakfast and relax over coffee, all while watching bits and pieces of the Today show. Since Jackson's birth, I've continued the routine although the actual watching is a bit more sporadic in between Jack's breakfast and playing. I've made several jokes to Melinda and Jack about Auntie Katie and Uncle Matt. But for some reason, I never refer to Uncle Al or Auntie Ann although they are very nice people (like I know them soooo well). Apparently, not the same connection there. Even Uncle Matt is a bit of a stretch - I like Matt Lauer but only because of Katie. And truthfully, the show is much more entertaining when Katie is there and David Gregory substitutes for Matt. Katie and David are pretty hysterical together - kind of like a teasing older sister and a pesky little brother (not very little actually - he's probably about 6'3" or 6'5").
So I'm pretty sad to see Katie go. Let's face it - when you wake up with someone every morning, you're gonna miss them when they're gone. And Auntie Katie is going to be missed. One upside, is the rumor that the vacant Today show anchor slot is going to be offered to Meridith Vieira whom I also love. I think she's a smart, funny woman who was wasted on The View. Don't even get me started on The View..... So we'll have to wait and see where my morning allegiance will land after Katie's departure.
