Ground-breaking television journalist Barbara Walters is to announce her retirement on Monday's episode of The View. Walters, 83, will finally say goodbye to the news industry next summer, an ABC spokesperson confirmed to the Los Angeles Times on Sunday evening (May 12, 2013).

The network still plans to make good use of Walters' talents until then, with the TV personality continuing to anchor and report for ABC as well as appearing on The View. "I am very happy with my decision and look forward to a wonderful and special year ahead both on 'The View' and with ABC News," she said in a statement, "I created 'The View' and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it."  Walters will also retain her executive producer role on the long-running weekday show gabfest.

Speculation of Walters' retirement first emerged in March after she underwent a health scare that included a brief stay in hospital. It later turned out she had been diagnosed with chicken pox, though made no announcement at the time. 

The 83-year-old has been a pioneer for women in the television industry for years, working her way up from researcher on the Today show to becoming co-host of the morning program, eventually switching to ABC after 15 years. She became the first woman to host an evening newscast when she teamed with Harry Reasoner on the ABC Evening News in 1976 and began a 37-year relationship with the network.

From everyone here at Contactmusic.com, we salute you Barbara!

Barbara WaltersBarbara Walters Retiring At The Ripe Old Age of 83!