Deborah Norville is leaving Inside Edition, joining a growing list of on-air journalists stepping away from long-held roles.
The Georgia native—who holds the distinction of being the longest-serving female anchor on national television—announced her departure during the April 2 broadcast. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be here at Inside for all these years,” she said. “A milestone like this is a time for reflection and upon reflection, I’ve decided that now is the time for me to move on from Inside Edition.”
She went on to thank viewers and her colleagues: “What I want to say right now is what a privilege it has been to be with Inside Edition all of these years, to work with the incredibly talented team here, and to be invited into your homes every day. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.”
Questions about why the 66-year-old is stepping away have also sparked speculation about her health, given her past cancer diagnosis. From her career to her current health, here’s what to know.
Norville is a journalist and television host who graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA from the University of Georgia, earning her BA in journalism in just three years. In 1976, she represented Georgia in America’s Junior Miss pageant and later returned as a host.
She began her national news career at NBC in 1987, first anchoring NBC News at Sunrise. Her success in the role led to her joining the Today show in 1989, replacing then-anchor Jane Pauley. Norville won an Emmy for her work on Today but did not return after maternity leave and was later replaced by Katie Couric.
She joined CBS News in 1992, contributing to Street Stories and 48 Hours, and earned a second Emmy in 1994.
