Nancy O'Dell says goodbye to Entertainment Tonight after nearly nine years

The Hollywood Reporter

O'Dell announced that Friday night would be her last on the syndicated newsmagazine, which she joined in January 2011 after working for 13 years as an anchor and correspondent for Access Hollywood. O'Dell, who has been co-anchor of ET since Mary Hart's retirement in May 2011, said she was stepping down to spend more time with her 12-year-old daughter, while also hinting at a new professional opportunity. "It's not goodbye, but rather just turning the page to the next chapter," she said, adding earlier: "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. I'll be back, and it won't be long. I'm going to enjoy some time off with the most wonderful gal in my life, my daughter, because they grow up way too fast. She is always my priority and then I'll focus on my new project." ET executive producer Erin Johnson said of O'Dell's exit: "For almost nine years, Nancy has welcomed viewers to ET every night with her signature southern charm. From anchoring both royal weddings, gracing every major award show red carpet and interviewing the likes of Garth Brooks, J.Lo and Oprah, her expertise behind the microphone is undeniable. We can't thank Nancy enough for her dedication to keeping ET the gold standard in entertainment news and we have no doubt she will continue to succeed in all future endeavors."