Chuck Todd, the longtime host of NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” has announced his departure from the program after nine years at the helm. In a heartfelt statement, Todd expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the moderator of the longest-running show in television history.

As Todd bid farewell to his role as host, he reflected on the honor and privilege it had been to occupy the moderator chair. With more than 430 broadcasts under his belt, Todd acknowledged the incredible journey he had been on and the impact the show had made on his career.

“To say that this has been the honor and privilege of my lifetime is an understatement. This is simply the pinnacle of political journalism and something my younger self never imagined. No matter how much of a grind the current political grind is wearing me down on any given day, I still have had a ‘pinch me, I can’t believe it’ feeling every time I’ve had my name introduced as the moderator on the longest-running show in the history of television.”

In his announcement, Todd revealed that Kristen Welker, a former White House correspondent for NBC News, would be taking over as the new host of “Meet the Press.” He spoke highly of Welker’s impressive career, which included covering three administrations and moderating the 2020 presidential debate.

“I am ready, Chuck, and I just want to say I am also so thankful and grateful to you for this moment for entrusting me with this monumental, important role. I take this responsibility so seriously. I’m ready because you have helped me get ready, Chuck. You are someone who invests in the people that you care about, and you have invested in me, and I am so eternally grateful for that. You brought me to D.C., you taught me just about everything I know about politics,” Welker expressed her gratitude.

Welker outlined her vision for the future of “Meet the Press,” emphasizing her intention to bring her experience as a reporter to the program. Having traveled the world with various presidents, she aims to provide viewers with the information they need, asking tough questions and building on the show’s legacy.

“I’ve traveled all over the world with all of these presidents, and I really want to bring that to the show every Sunday to make sure that we are giving our viewers the information that they need. And now, my beat, by the way, is all of Washington, the campaign trail, and, frankly, the world, and I want to be asking those tough questions and I want to be making you proud, I want to be building on the legacy of this show,” Welker explained.

In his final episode as host, Todd conducted a sit-down interview with Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom. During the interview, he posed the question of whether Newsom had any potential plans to run for president.

BREAKING: California Governor Gavin Newsom confirms to Chuck Todd that he won’t run in 2024 and he says that Kamala Harris is the natural successor to Biden.

Newsom definitely would create a lot of buzz if he were to run. He’d also generate more excitement than Biden.

He’s… pic.twitter.com/6CtKO0McKg

— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) September 8, 2023

To Chuck Todd, I say…good riddance!