Katie Couric Left ‘Today’ for Another Job Opportunity — but Did Matt Lauer Play a Factor?

Yes, the Today show was turned upside down on Wednesday, Nov. 29 when Matt Lauer was abruptly fired following sexual harassment allegations. However, dedicated fans are still mourning Katie Couric‘s departure, which happened back in 2006 — and now they’re questioning why she even left in the first place. Do you think it had anything to do with Matt’s behavior?

By the sounds of her statement 11 years ago, Katie simply parted ways with NBC to take on another job. “I wanted to tell all of you out there who have watched the show for the past 15 years that after listening to my heart and my gut — two things that have served me pretty well in the past — I’ve decided I’ll be leaving Today at the end of May,” she said at the time. “I really feel as if we’ve become friends through the years.”

She continued, “Sometimes I think change is a good thing. Although it may be terrifying to get out of your comfort zone, it’s also very exciting to start a new chapter in your life.” Matt — her co-anchor at the time — replied back: “It’s hard to imagine being here and not having you sitting next to us.”

Katie was soon replaced by Meredith Vieira from 2006 until 2011, with Ann Curry from 2011 until 2012, and then Savannah Guthrie from 2012 until today. Katie left the show to become a news anchor and managing editor at CBS Evening News and contributing anchor to 60 Minutes. However, in 2011, she returned to ABC News, and from 2012 to 2014, she hosted her own show called Katie. In January 2014, Katie became the global anchor of Yahoo! News, but in July 2017, she ended her contract with them. Katie is now focusing on expanding her own production company, so who knows, maybe she’ll make time for some guest appearances on Today now that Matt is gone!