Elisabeth Hasselbeck Announces She’s Stepping Down as 'Fox & Friends' Host for a 'Personal' Reason

Elisabeth Hasselbeck is stepping down as co-host of Fox News Channel's morning program "Fox and Friends," the network announced Monday.

Hasselbeck, who joined the show in September 2013, cited a "personal" reason for her decision — to spend more time with her three children. Hasselbeck said she and Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes discussed the topic over several weeks.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck (AP)

Read Hasselbeck's full statement below:

“Oftentimes, the most difficult decisions are between two great things. 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."

A variety of co-hosts will take Hasselbeck's seat on the curvy couch until a permanent replacement is named, the network said in a release.

Hasselbeck joined co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade, where she helped the show maintain its status as the highest-rated cable news morning program in the 6-9 a.m. time slot, ahead of CNN's "New Day" and MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

Prior to joining Fox News, Hasselbeck spent nearly a decade as a co-host on the ABC women's daytime talk show "The View," where she was the only conservative and often participated in heated on-air exchanges with her liberal co-hosts.

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