AceShowbiz - Peter Alexander is departing from his role on Saturday Today following nearly 22 years with NBC News. The news anchor shared his announcement during the March 28 broadcast, expressing immense pride and gratitude for his long tenure at the network.

“This morning I am bursting with pride and with gratitude. I’ve had the most incredible experience over 22 years with NBC News,” Alexander said on air. He acknowledged the support of the leaders and mentors at NBC who have given him numerous opportunities throughout his career.

Alexander had been cohosting Saturday Today since 2018 but decided it was time to step away to spend more quality time with his family. “It is literally so fun, I mean, what a gig!” he remarked. However, he noted the challenges of commuting from his home in Washington, D.C., which led to extended time away from his loved ones. Over the past seven months, he has been away from home more than 80 nights and missed over 200 Friday nights with his family during the last seven years.

He emphasized the importance of family, saying, “So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me [and] it’s already happened quick, I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives.” Alexander is married to Alison Starling, and together they have two daughters, Ava, 12, and Emma, 10.

He shared his motivation to embrace new challenges while prioritizing family, explaining, “I was taught, ‘Family first, the rest is details.’” Alexander concluded his heartfelt message by thanking the viewers for their trust and confidence and expressing appreciation for the “undoubtedly the most exciting years” of his television journalism career at NBC.

Over the years, the Today show has seen several notable exits and changes among its hosts. For example, Hoda Kotb surprised audiences in September 2024 when she announced plans to leave Today after nearly 30 years at NBC. The show’s hosts often share glimpses of their personal lives, including their families, with Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and others welcoming children throughout their time on the program.

Following Alexander’s announcement, his Saturday Today cohost Laura Jarrett became visibly emotional. “Peter, we love you, we are going to miss you,” Jarrett said. “We have laughed so hard we want to cry with you, we have learned from you and we are not the only ones.”

Jarrett praised Alexander as “a brilliant journalist,” a “good and decent man,” and “an extraordinary father.” She acknowledged the sacrifices he made by spending many nights away from his daughters, emphasizing, “You only get one shot to be Ava and Emma’s dad [and] 200 nights is a long time. They are lucky to have you as their father.”

Alexander joined NBC in 2004, making 2024 his 20th anniversary with the network. He reflected on this milestone with emotion, stating, “It’s hard to believe, but I have been part of the NBC family for longer than I’ve had my own family.” He described his time in Studio 1A with the team and behind-the-scenes staff as “literally my happy place.”

As Alexander embarks on the next chapter of his life, he leaves behind a rich legacy at NBC and a devoted fanbase that has followed his work for more than two decades. His decision to prioritize family and seek new challenges marks a significant moment for both the network and the viewers who have welcomed him into their homes every weekend morning.