Gene Shalit to leave 'Today' show after four decades

Gene Shalit, the television personality who has been a mainstay on the "Today" show for four decades, will leave the NBC program Thursday, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Shalit said in a statement through his representative: "It's enough already."

He originally joined the program in 1970 as a regular contributor before replacing Joe Garagiola on the "Today" desk in 1973.

On his final day, the "Today" program will broadcast a retrospective salute to his work over the decades, including film reviews and celebrity interviews.

Shalit said in the statement he would "pursue other activities," which include publishing, radio and commercials.