‘The View’: Barbara Walters will announce retirement on Monday

On a night where there is already all sorts of crazy things that transpired (Finales! New episodes! Upfronts!), a bit of news has found a way to still rise to the top like a marshmallow in hot chocolate. Barbara Walters will indeed retire from “The View” in a year’s time, and she will leave with a resume that may make her the most-prolific interviewer and news personality in the history of TV journalism.

In the past, Walters has vigorous denied and blasted talk that she is going to retire, mostly because she wanted to leave on her own terms rather than have someone else make any sort of confirmation for her. (She’s the author of her own fate!) Thus, she released a statement on her own Sunday night in confirming the news:

“I am very happy with my decision and look forward to a wonderful and special year ahead both on The View’ and with ABC News. I created The View and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it.”

Meanwhile, we also have what is going to be one of surely many sad goodbyes from ABC:

“There’s only one Barbara Walters. And we look forward to making her final year on television as remarkable, path-breaking and news-making as Barbara herself.  Barbara will always have a home at ABC News and we look forward to a year befitting her brilliant career, filled with exclusive interviews, great adventures and indelible memories.”

We’re sure that ABC will probably throw her a massive party pretty much every day on “The View” for the next year, complete with tributes, well-wishes, special guests and more. Now, here’s the real question we have: For the Most Influential People special later this year, will Barbara name herself?

What’s your reaction to Walters’ exit? The show is still looking for a replacement for Joy Behar … and Whoopi Goldberg doesn’t have much to say about it.

Photo: ABC