Elisabeth Hasselbeck Says Goodbye To Her Colleagues At ‘The View’

By Alex Weprin 

Today was Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s last day on “The View.” Later this year she will join Fox News as the co-host of “Fox & Friends,” replacing Gretchen Carlson, who is departing for her own afternoon program. To open this morning’s program, Hasselbeck walked out arm in arm with host Barbara Walters.

“Barbara, I did some math last night, and I think that I have had over 3,000 days working by your side, I think it is fair to say that over the course of the decade, I have attended the Barbara Walters school of broadcasting and journalism,” Hasselbeck said. “I was not the first person to sit in this chair, and I will certainly not be the last person to sit in this chair. The past 10 years have been nothing short of extraordinary, and I wholeheartedly wish the next co-host that sits here an extraordinary set of years of their own… now let’s get to work!”

Hasselbeck also spoke briefly about her “View” co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar and Sherri Shepard, as well as EP Bill Geddie.

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Walters was also emotional, so much so that she fumbled her words a little bit while praising Hasselbeck.

“I am a little emotional, or as that other Barbra [Streisand] sometimes says, I am a little verklempt, because it was reported last night that our Elisabeth Hasselbeck is leaving us to join the Fox network,” Walters said. “I want what is best for you, and you know how I feel about you, and, I am happy that you are going… No I am not happy that you are going! I am happy that it is good for you.”

With Hasselbeck’s departure, “The View” is poised for a dramatic transformation next season. Behar will not be returning, and Walters will make her last appearance on the program next May. Reports suggest that actress Jenny McCarthy may be in line for one of the co-hosting slots.

“We will not be filling [the position] very soon,” Walters said, noting that they have a number of guest hosts lined up. “We are going to take our time, don’t send us any tapes or resumes please.”

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