Maria Menounos leaving E! after brain tumor surgery, treatment
Following this news (which was unveiled in a new edition of People Magazine), another announcement came out that the host (who has graced Extra, The Today Show, Access Hollywood, and Dancing with the Stars as a contestant) is leaving her current post at E! News. Here is what she had to say on that matter in a just-released statement:
“I am so grateful for the past three years at E!. I had such an amazing time co-hosting with Jason Kennedy and working everyday with the wonderful roster of talent on the show including producers, staff and crew. It was such a special, good-hearted group and one I’ll always consider family. A special thank you to Frances Berwick and Adam Stotsky for all the support they have shown me through the years especially during these tough times. I will truly miss everyone and looking forward to this next chapter in my life.”
Meanwhile, the network’s own president Adam Stotsky released a statement of his own, wishing Menounos all the best:
“Our thoughts and support go out to Maria and her family and we wish them all the best knowing that Maria will tackle this with the same fierce dedication she is known for … We are grateful for Maria’s many contributions to E! over the past three years.”
It is not entirely clear what Maria’s next move will be, but a post on an entertainment-news show will almost certainly be there for her somewhere if she wants it. As terrible as her battle must have been, and the fear that she felt, the outpouring of love from supporters will certainly lead to her getting other opportunities. She’s been humanized thanks to this powerful story, and a fight that so many people out there have experienced. The ball is very much in her court now when it comes to determining her future; she’s been successful for so long that it would absolutely make some sense if she simply wanted to take a break from the chaos for a little while and rest with some friends and family. During these extremely difficult times, these are ultimately some of the people that matter the most.
It obviously goes without saying that we wish Maria and her family all of the best. Her mother is also battling stage 4 brain cancer, so being with her at the moment may be of paramount importance. She’s hopefully going to get all the time that she needs to care for some of the people that she loves.
If there are further updates, including as to what Menounos’ next career plans are, we’ll be sure to update you at the site. Be on the lookout. (Photo: E!.)