Bye To 'Fox & Friends' Elisabeth Hasselbeck

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Elisabeth Hasselbeck to step down as 'Fox & Friends' co-host - Elisabeth Hasselbeck announced Monday that she will step down from her role as co-host of "Fox & Friends" on FOX News Channel (FNC) and depart the network at the end of the year, putting her television career on hold while she raises her three children.

A variety of rotating co-hosts will take Hasselbeck’s seat until a replacement is named.

“Oftentimes, the most difficult decisions are between two great things,” Hasselbeck said in a statement. “Throughout my 14 years working in television, I have never experienced a more positive and thoughtful atmosphere than FOX News Channel, thanks to the strong leadership of (FOX News Chairman & CEO) Roger Ailes, who has created the best working environment a woman and mother could ask for. His understanding, compassion, and kindness was exemplified when I shared with him that I am entering into a season where I want to start my day with my children first, and he offered his blessing to do so. With a heart full of gratitude and the peace that God has given me, I am confident that this personal decision is the right one for our family, and we will be joining all of you watching 'Fox & Friends' each morning as we get ready for school together."

In commenting on her announcement, Ailes said: “Elisabeth and I discussed this at length over several weeks, and while I would love for her to continue here, I respect her incredibly difficult, yet deeply personal decision. She has been a great addition to the 'Fox & Friends' franchise.”

Since September 2013, Hasselbeck has been a co-host on the number one rated cable news morning program, alongside Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade. During her tenure at FNC, "Fox & Friends" continued to eclipse the cable news competition in total viewers and adults in the 25-54 demographic, and remained number one in basic cable during its 6-9 a.m. time slot.

Prior to joining FNC, Hasselbeck spent nearly a decade at "The View," the ABC daytime talk show. She had also served as a contributor to ABC’s "Good Morning America." Additionally, Hasselbeck was a keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention in both 2004 and 2008, and has interviewed Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. She is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, “The G-Free Diet” and the cookbook “Deliciously G-Free.”