Elisabeth Hasselbeck is leaving the Fox News morning program Fox & Friends to raise her three children. She has been with the show since 2013.
In a statement on Thursday, Hasselbeck thanked Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes for supporting her decision to put her children before her job.
"Oftentimes, the most difficult decisions are between two great things. Throughout my 14 years working in television, I have never experienced a more positive and thoughtful atmosphere than FOX News Channel, thanks to the strong leadership of (FOX News Chairman & CEO) Roger Ailes, who has created the best working environment a woman and mother could ask for," Hasselbeck said in a statement. "His understanding, compassion, and kindness was exemplified when I shared with him that I am entering into a season where I want to start my day with my children first, and he offered his blessing to do so. With a heart full of gratitude and the peace that God has given me, I am confident that this personal decision is the right one for our family, and we will be joining all of you watching Fox & Friends each morning as we get ready for school together."
“Elisabeth and I discussed this at length over several weeks, and while I would love for her to continue here, I respect her incredibly difficult, yet deeply personal decision,” Ailes said. “She has been a great addition to the Fox & Friends franchise.”
Hasselbeck will leave the middle seat on the Fox & Friends couch and it will mark the end of 15 years on television. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, she has been a fixture on TV since she was on CBS’ Survivor in 2001.
Prior to her tenure on Fox & Friends, Hasselbeck was the conservative voice on ABC’s The View. After a decade on the show, she left for Fox News. She replaced Gretchen Carlson on Fox & Friends.