Diane Sawyer is leaving ABC’s World News.

On Wednesday, June 25, ABC News President James Goldston released an official statement in regards to the network’s upcoming changes, which include Sawyer’s departure.

The news comes after months of speculation and rumors about the possibility of a transition with ABC’s anchor desk.

At the end of last year Diane Sawyer started a conversation with Ben about one day stepping away from World News and devoting her boundless energy full time to a team which will create and commission original reporting, big ideas and interviews for all platforms,” the statement read.

“As much as she loved leading World News to new heights – with so much important, brilliant and impactful reporting and a number one finish in the May sweep – Diane decided that now is the moment to concentrate full time on tackling big issues in new ways.”

The network stated weekend news anchor David Muir will be Sawyer’s replacement. However, a first-of-its-kind replacement arrangement has also been implemented.

Although Muir will be replacing Sawyer in the capacity of Anchor and Managing Editor of the program, he won’t be the main anchor covering breaking news and elections. Good Morning America co-host George Stephanopoulos will have the position of Chief Anchor for such coverage.

Congrats to my friends @DavidMuir & @GStephanopoulos – big days and stories ahead for all at @ABC !

— Diane Sawyer (@DianeSawyer) June 25, 2014

The 68-year-old news anchor also released a brief statement about her departure from the ABC flagship nightly news broadcast, which she’s been affiliated with since December of 2009.

“After wonderful years at ‘World News’ I decided it is time to move to a new full time role at ABC News,” Sawyer said in a statement. Although Sawyer will be departing from World News, she will continue to appear on a number of ABC News platforms.

This is an incredibly humbling day. Honored to join @DianeSawyer and @GStephanopoulos in this great new adventure. pic.twitter.com/D8jygGMWpT

— David Muir (@DavidMuir) June 25, 2014

“I’ll be joined by an incredible team of journalists dedicated to enterprise reporting, innovative approaches to breaking news and new ways of thinking about big issues and events around the world,” Sawyer said. “I can’t wait to continue bringing more of my specials to primetime and appearing on all ABC News broadcasts, as well.”

Image via Diane Sawyer, Facebook