“I predict you’re literally going to be the Oprah Winfrey of the evening news, where you take yourself out of contention so the other anchors have [a chance],” she joked.
Despite winning the top spot for the third year in a row, David revealed that he hadn’t been able to attend the awards ceremony for three years running. He explained that he had prior commitments the first two times and was too “superstitious” to attend the third time.
He emphasized: “It’s really about the team. I was at a dinner, but I did have the phone on with the live feed. I just glanced over and I could read the lips, and I think they said ‘ABC World News,’ and then the team gets up.”
David couldn’t help but express his deep appreciation for his team, remarking with evident enthusiasm: “And I have to say, I told the team, it meant more to me to be able to see them go up on the stage, they’re incredible. These folks, I’ve been working with [them] for 11 years now.”
Recounting earlier times, David remembered Kelly and Mark being present during his initial week as anchor when he stepped in after Diane Sawyer’s departure in August 2014. Mark inquired if the experience felt different now, hinting at the possibility that recent heavy news cycles could have an impact.
David answered earnestly about the pressures of the job: “Listen, it’s been a really heavy time, and it hasn’t let up,” before confessing with a touch of humor, “I’ve joked with you guys, I feel like I need to say, ‘Good evening, and I’m sorry’,” although he maintained a hopeful note, adding, “But we’ll get through it.”
Just days ago, David faced the sentimental moment of saying goodbye to longtime colleague and stage manager Michelle Mayer, who decided to leave the network after over three decades for her hometown of Kentucky.
In a moving moment last Tuesday, David paused the broadcast to deliver a heartfelt tribute to Michelle, joined by Diane and Charlie Gibson, who also cherished working with her.
During this touching tribute, David candidly shared his feelings of disbelief, admitting, “I am still in denial about all this,” further revealing, “I cannot believe that Shelly is leaving my partner in crime out there. She’s the one who’s cuing me every single night, standing next to the camera, but Shelly, only for you tonight, I hope you’ll notice that you’re going to see my cuffs.
“The only reason anyone ever sees cuffs is because Shelley’s always saying, pull your cuff. My watch. I’ve got my watch on, because Shelly likes it when I show up with my watch on. Only happens, like once or twice a year.”
The star continued to highlight his special touches, saying, “I got a full suit on today, only for you, Shelley, as you know, usually jeans in the waist down behind that desk. But for you, the full suit. And I don’t dig the jeans, and I got a haircut. I got a haircut for you.”
David concluded by expressing his gratitude: “This moment is yours. You deserve this, Shelley. Go home to Kentucky, giving back with your family, the horses, and the beautiful countryside. And what 11 years this has been by my side-I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you.” The segment ended with the camera panning to Michelle, who-for the last time-was gesturing to cue David off air.
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