“You will always be my morning sunshine,” is how legendary HLN anchor Robin Meade sadly parted ways with her devoted Morning Express audience earlier today.
Last week, we reported that new CNN CEO, Chris Licht, canceled the smaller, yet popular news show after more than 21 years on the air. Former Chicagoan, Meade, had been an upbeat staple on the sister network to CNN, making her the longest-running morning news anchor in TV history, exceeding Matt Lauer’s tenure at NBC’s Today show.
In celebrating her 20th anniversary at Morning Express, Meade told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “I always joke, ‘I can’t believe I haven’t been fired yet!’ But I’m very grateful. It is the most surreal experience when someone says, ‘I’ve been watching you since junior high,’ and they’re 30 now! I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the viewers.
Meade’s epic streak came to an end today, and she said goodbye to her colleagues and audience Monday.
Meade gave an extended shoutout to and thanked her Morning Express team, “Doing this show, with you, has been the joy of my life,” Meade told her staff, adding, “and my biggest concern is for my colleagues that they land on their feet and I wish I can make this change less scary.”
She then addressed the viewers: “To you: Maybe you’re at home or listening on the radio or you’re watching on the treadmill. Thank you for letting us start your day all these years. Thank you for letting this kid from a middle of a cornfield do something beyond her wildest dreams. You’re my first thought in the morning and my final thought before I fall asleep. I felt protective of you and I hope you felt like you had a guardian on patrol for you each morning.
I’ve heard that you mourn something when it passes, either because you feel guilty for leaving something unresolved, or you mourn because you truly appreciate something for what it was. The emotions this morning are of appreciation for you and for this 21-year run. You will always be my morning sunshine.”
Watch below:
REELated:
CNN will begin simulcasting its new CNN This Morning featuring Don Lemon, Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins on HLN, according to Variety.
Goodnight, Sunshine.
