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Elisabeth Hasselbeck Leaving ‘Fox & Friends’ To Spend More Time With Children

By Lindsay McCane
Published on: 03:17 PST, Nov 24, 2015

Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who co-hosts Fox News Channel’s morning program, Fox & Friends, has made the decision to step down from her position to focus on spending more time with her three children.

The announcement was made that Elisabeth would be departing from the show on Monday.

“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,” she continued. “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.”

Ailes later commented on Hasselbeck’s decision, revealing that they had discussed it in length prior to her announcement.

“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,” Ailes said. “She has been a great addition to the ‘Fox & Friends’ franchise.”

On Tuesday, Elisabeth Hasselbeck addressed her fans on the air, explaining why she decided to step down as co-host. She said she wants to put her television career on hold so she can focus on what is most important to her — her kids: Grace, 10, Taylor, 8, and Isaiah, 6.

“I am taking a new position as CBO — chief breakfast officer — at our house with the kids, and that does mean that in about a month, I’ll be leaving my FOX News family,” she said. “I’m in a season where the kids need the best of me, not the rest of me.”

Hasselbeck joined the Fox & Friends crew with Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade, in 2013, after spending nearly a decade co-hosting ABC’s The View. Hasselback also served as a contributor to ABC’s morning news show, Good Morning America. In addition to her time on air, Elisabeth also served as the keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention in both 2004 and 2008. She has also conducted several high-profile interviews, including interviewing former presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and current president Barack Obama. Elisabeth Hasselbeck is also an author, with two New York Times bestsellers, The G-Free Diet, and the cookbook, Deliciously G-Free.

Last year, Hasselbeck had a health scare that required her to undergo emergency surgery. A tumor was discovered on her abdomen, and while she said it wasn’t cancerous, it still needed to be removed as quickly as possible.

“I’m recovering,” Hasselbeck told Us Weekly during a November, 2014, interview. “I definitely feel better every day. I couldn’t be more thankful and mindful of the gift that is a clean bill of health and a benign report.”

Elisabeth and her husband, retired NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, and their three children, currently reside in Greenwich, Connecticut. The couple recently listed their home for sale.

Are you sad to see Elisabeth Hasselbeck leave Fox & Friends? Leave your comments below.

[Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images]

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