Wednesday, July 10 marks Elisabeth Hasselbeck's final day as a co-host on ABC's "The View," before she departs to take on a new adventure at the Fox News network.
Hasselbeck joined the panel of "The View" in 2003, after a successful stint on hit TV show "Survivor." After a decade starring on "The View," she leaves to begin preparations in joining Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on the "Fox & Friends" morning show in September, according to a report from Businessweek.
"When Elisabeth survived 'Survivor,' we wanted to make sure she would stay afloat," said "The View" co-host Barbara Walters. "We have had 10 wonderful years with her and she will now be swimming in new waters. We will miss her and wish her everything good."
Hasselbeck is politically the most conservative host among her mostly liberal peers on "The View," which will make her a good fit for the laregely conservative audience of "Fox & Friends." Fox News' Chief Roger Ailes issued a statement saying that Hasselbeck has proven to be an excellent conversationalist during her time on "The View," and he is certain she will make a great addition to the Fox News network.
"For a decade, Elisabeth Hasselbeck has brought her passion and strong beliefs to 'The View,'" ABC said in a statement. "She stood behind her political views, even if they were not the most popular opinions at the table, never shying away from voicing a difficult question. We thank Elisabeth and wish her luck as she begins this new chapter of her career."
Hasselbeck will be replacing current "Fox & Friends" co-host Gretchen Carlson, who will anchor her own daytime show beginning in the fall, according to Fox News.
CNN reports that Hasselbeck's departure follows former panelist of "The View" Joy Behar's decision to leave the show earlier this year. Barbara Walters also announced that she will be leaving the "The View" when she retires in 2014.
With Hasselbeck exiting, the only remaining hosts on "The View" will be Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd. Various news outlets report that former Playboy playmate and TV personality Jenny McCarthy may be one of the candidates to fill the empty panel slots.