Natalie Morales Announces Her Decision To Quit NBC Network

It’s been 22 years since Natalie Morales first walked through the doors of NBC News. Since then, she has had and experienced a long, fulfilling career with the news outlet as the host of the “Today” show and “Dateline” for years.

Surprisingly, the TV personality has called time on her career with the network, disclosing her decision in a tear-filled memo to her colleagues last Friday.

In her memo, she kept mute on details of her next step or if her resignation was due to accepting a new role with competing networks.

As per reports, she will remain a correspondent for NBC’s signature news magazine, “Dateline” till the end of the year. She will also be given a farewell tribute on the “Today” show very soon.

If there is one thing fans are not looking forward to, it’s this tribute because it automatically signifies that the host has ended her stint with the network. Keep reading to find out more details.

While saying goodbye to her colleagues, Morales cited that they had shared many incredible experiences, and her departure was a difficult thing to do.

“This first half of my life has been one full of adventure, challenges, travel, way too many early wake-up calls, and yes opportunities to witness history unfold and to tell inspiring and impactful stories that will always be in my mind’s highlight reel,” she said.

“Speaking of that reel: I watched my family grow up along with so many of your children, and as my oldest son gets ready to spread his wings and head to college soon, so too do I feel the time is right, (before the second half of my life) to spread my wings and to pursue a new adventure,” she continued.

She ended the memo by saying, “It’s very hard to say goodbye… and we all know in this business it’s never goodbye but see you later. I’m eternally grateful for the support and deep friendships that will remain no matter where our paths lead. I have so much to be thankful for and for every one of you who helped me get here… muchísimas gracias mis amigos.”

Morales started her career with NBC, at their affiliate, W-Viacom International Television in Hartford, Connecticut. From there, she moved to MSNBC as an anchor and correspondent.

During her time with MSNBC, she covered several major news events such as the 2004 Presidential election, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, the 2002 Beltway sniper attacks, and the investigation and trial of Scott Peterson.

In 2006, Morales then joined “Today” as a national correspondent and went on to report across several NBCUniversal News’ platforms, including “NBC Nightly News,” “Access” and “Access Live.”

She also contributed to many prime-time news stories including, the 2017 Las Vegas massacre, the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing, and news that involved England’s royals.

While still hosting “Today,” Morales added the host of “Dateline” as a new role at NBC in 2020.

Morales has received three Daytime Emmy Awards as a member of the “Today” team. She also earned Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for her coverage of the Honduran lobster divers for “Rock Center with Brian Williams” in 2013, and three Gracie Awards for excellent reporting.

In addition, she helped the network live-translate the Chilean miner rescue using her knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese. Her coverage of the news garnered NBC critical acclaim with a 2010 National Headliner Award.

The TV personality published her first book in 2018 titled, “At Home with Natalie: Simple Recipes for Healthy Living from My Family’s Kitchen to Yours.”

She shares two sons, named Josh and Luke, with her husband, Joe Rhodes.

When Tom Mazzarelli, an executive producer at NBC spoke about Morales's sterling career, he gave a hint that she had already decided her next step.

In a note to NBC News employees, he said, “She’s been offered an opportunity she’s passionate about and has decided to step away from NBC News after an incredible two-decade career here.”

“So please join me in wishing her nothing but the best from her family here at TODAY,” he concluded.

One of the opportunities touted already by many is the television personality linking up with embattled CBS talk show, “The Talk” in the coming weeks.

“The Talk” has been going through an internal crisis for a while. Several hosts such as Sharon Osbourne, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Elaine Welteroth have left the show for various reasons.

For now, the CBS network has not officially announced if Morales is joining the talk show, so keep those fingers crossed, for now.