'Today' News' Legendary Anchor Receives An Emotional Sendoff

A legendary era came to an end as a famed NBC news famed anchor retired from the Today news show after almost 30 years as a part of the network. The longtime correspondent, Pete Williams, received an emotional and sweet farewell from the team during Friday’s broadcast.

His colleagues gave him a touching farewell on Today with a video that highlighted the celebrated journalist’s impressive stint with the network.

Pete Williams Enjoys Virtual Champagne With Colleagues

As reported by The Sun, the video was a compilation of some of Pete’s monumental moments delivering breaking news. It also had kind words from his co-workers, including Today show host Savannah Guthrie.

[Source: YouTube]

After the video ended, the 70-year-old virtually enjoyed a champagne toast with Savannah, her co-host Hoda Kotb, and other colleagues.

As the show aired, the retired anchor, overwhelmed with the emotional sendoff, said, “I’m just so proud to have been part of this organization.”

He went on to add, “I grew up watching David Brinkley and Chet Huntley back when I was growing up in Wyoming, and the thought of being part of this organization for 29 years is just a dream come true. And I’m just so proud.”

Fans Say Pete Is Too Young To Retire

Fans quickly reacted to this emotional retirement. Many were sad to see their beloved anchor retire from his position and voiced their feelings on Twitter.

[Source: YouTube]

One fan tweeted, “Hey Pete, you are not allowed to retire! We need you… we love you… we trust you! Don’t leave us.”

Similarly, another added, “Pete, you’re too young to retire! I, along with millions of others, will miss you terribly. Enjoy whatever you do next, and hope to see you again.”

“Pete, a job well done, sir. You will be sorely missed, and it will take some time to get used to your replacement. You’re a true pro. Here’s a photo of me watching Lester Holt right now,” added a third, followed by a sobbing gif.

Finally, a fourth fan of the anchor stated, “No one told me that Pete is retiring! One of the best journalists to date!!”

Pete Williams Talks About His Plans Post-Retirement

Before joining the NBC news team as an anchor, Pete was a news director and reporter at KTWO-TV & Radio, located in Casper, Wyoming, between 1974 and 1985. Later on, he headed the role of a Pentagon spokesman under former President George H.W. Bush. But, ultimately, he returned to his reporting roots.

[Source: YouTube]

His notable coverage includes the Boston Marathon bombing and September 11 attacks. He also reported on the overturn of the Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973 and the legalization of same-sex marriage.

When the broadcast journalist and colleague Hoda Kotb asked him about his plans post-retirement, he joked about it. He said, “Turn the alarm off and go back to sleep.”

Fans will surely miss the glorious term Pete Williams had on Today!

Are you a fan of Pete Williams? What do you feel about his retirement? Share your thoughts in the comments!