Barbara Walters’ retirement is imminent and she announced the news Monday on “The View,” the daytime talk show she created in 1997, that she is leaving TV journalism in 2014. ABC reported the news late Sunday. Barbara Walters’ retirement closes the chapter on one of the most storied careers in broadcast journalism history.

Walters, 83, will remain executive producer of The View.

About her retirement, she said, "I am very happy with my decision and look forward to a wonderful and special year ahead both on 'The View' and with ABC News. I created ‘The View’ and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it."

Rumors of Walters’ retirement surfaced in March, but she soon squashed them, saying on “The View” that “if and when I might have an announcement to make, I will do it on this program.”

She said Monday that on the summer of 2014, she is “plan to retire on appearing in television at all” but will remain co-executive producer of the “The View” and will appear occasionally for specials.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg made a special appearance on the show to witness the announcement. Walt Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger was also on the program together with ABC executives. Iger shared a story about Walters when she met the journalist in 1976 as a production assistant.

Walters had a healthcare scare in January when she suffered a cut on her forehead after falling on a stair while visiting the British ambassadors’ residence in Washington. The broadcast pioneer then underwent surgery to repair a heart valve three years ago.

“There’s only one Barbara Walters,” said ABC News President Sherwood in the report. “And we look forward to making her final year on television as remarkable, path-breaking and news-breaking as Barbara herself.”

Barbara Walters’ national broadcast career began in 1961 as a reporter, writer and panel member on NBC’s “Today” show.

She was promoted co-host in 1974, but she was hired away by ABC in 1976.

At ABC, she began “The Barbara Walters Special” and “10 Most Fascinating People,” which has become regular year-end program for the networks.

Walters has interviewed every U.S. president and first lady since Richard and Pat Nixon.

Since 1984, she spent two decades as co-host and correspondent for ABC’s news magazine show “20/20.” She still reports on occasion on the program.

Walters was born in daughter and has one daughter.

She said on The View, "I do not want to appear on another program or climb another mountain. I want instead to sit on a sunny field and admire the very gifted women — and OK, some men, too — who will be taking my place."