After 5 years as co-host of the Today Show, Meredith Viera signed off on Wednesday.

Viera joined Matt Lauer as Katie Couric's replacement in 2006. She decided to leave the show so that she could spend more time with her family, saying that her departure is right, but it's hard.

Lauer described Viera's final appearance on the show as a very bittersweet Wednesday morning.

Meredith and Matt
Meredith Vieira is overcome with emotions as co-host Matt Lauer pays tribute during her final show in New York Reuters
Meredith and Matt
Vieira will be replaced by the show's news anchor Ann Curry starting June 9. Reuters
Meredith baseball
Meredith Vieira speaks with actress Maura Tierney during pre-game ceremonies before the Boston Red Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays during their MLB American League baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Reuters
Meredith and Matt
Meredith and Matt embrace on June 3, a few days before her final show. Reuters
Meredith Dog Show
Vieira runs around the ring while showing a Komondor during a Today Show event on the second day of the 133rd annual Westminster Dog Show in New York Reuters
Meredith first day
Vieira during her first day on NBC's 'Today' show in New York September 13, 2006 Reuters