Presenter Kay Burley has announced her retirement from Sky News after 36 years.
Burley had been part of the team which first launched Sky News in 1989, going on to cover some of the world's major stories, including the tragic death of Princess Diana, Concorde Air Disaster, and Asian Tsunami.
Her live coverage of 9/11 also won Sky News a BAFTA Award.
Closing out her final show om the Sky News Breakfast programme, Kay Burley said this.
"From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business", she said.
"News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.
"But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.
"But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel".
"So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!
"Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome", she added. "I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch".
Taking to social media, a number of Burley's colleagues and peers were quick to pay homage to the broadcaster.
"The one and only Kay Burley announces she is leaving Sky News", former Sky News editor-at-large Adam Boulton said. "Kay is unique, there are no other women of her background who have had such an impact on British News and current affairs. We have been friends and colleagues for forty years. Onward Kay I know it's going to be exciting!".
David Rhodes, Sky News' executive director, also said this: "With millions of minutes presenting live rolling news, Kay's legacy in television journalism is unmatched, as is her commitment to Sky's legacy. And I'm sure some MPs in Westminster will sleep easy knowing they won't face her indomitable questioning in the mornings".
"We thank Kay for her huge contribution to Sky, to the art of the interview and to British journalism. And we wish her the best of luck".
Beth Rigby, who is Sky News' political editor, stated that "No one does live telly like Kay Burley", while calling her a "trailblazer & inspiration to a whole generation of women". See this post in full here.
Good Morning Britain presenter, Susanna Reid wrote this on X.
"That she gets her own #BreakingNews announcement is testament to @KayBurley impact on news journalism... She is going to be hugely missed from our screens. Good luck Kay", she said.
