Photo: Angela Weiss/Getty Images
It’s time forNancy O’Dellto say “see you later.”
The longtime co-host ofEntertainment Tonightrevealed on Friday night’s broadcast that she will be leaving her role on the esteemed show in order to begin a “new chapter.”
“Tonight I’m excited to tell you about the start of a new chapter in my life… a new chapter for this small-town, grateful girl from Myrtle Beach, SC, who used to watch fellow Carolinian Leeza Gibbons and Mary Hart onEntertainment Tonight, thinking, ‘Wow, what beautiful, powerful women and what a cool job they have!'” O’Dell, who has hosted the show for nine years, said.
“I never take for granted how you have welcomed me into your home and busy lives,” the red carpet maven continued.
O’Dell, 53, then explained that a friend had recently suggested she create a “life list,” with a list of career accomplishments on one side, and a list of goals still to be achieved on the other.
“As I take on that list of things still to come, it means leaving this position, but it does not mean I am leaving the genre,” O’Dell said, adding that after taking some time off to spend with her daughter, she will “be back and it won’t be long.”
O’Dell took a moment to remember her manager, agent and friend, John Ferriter, who helped her get her job atEntertainment Tonightand died just a week ago.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
“Shortly before his passing, he told me life is too short, do what makes you happy, you’re creating you’re own best life,” she said. “I think I’ve heard Oprah [Winfrey] say that too… two smart people.”
Nancy O’Dell, Kevin Frazier.Nancy O’Dell/Instagram
O’Dell later shared her emotional final sign-off in anInstagram post, as well of a photo of herself and her fellow co-host Kevin Frazier in a sweet embrace.
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“On to my next chapter in life,” she added, saying she is “grateful” and “excited” in the post’s hashtags. “Thanks for the sweet hug@kevinfrazier❤️ family#friends#ET#specialtimes#memories#workfamily”
Frazier, 55, shared a similar photo of the friends and longtime coworkers hugging in his ownInstagram tributeto O’Dell.
“From Charleston to Hollywood, we have shared lots of good times , a few tough times and plenty of magical moments,” he wrote in the caption. “thank you@nancyodellfor letting me be a part of your journey … ❤️”
source: people.com
