BV Entertainment Newswire June 27

Star Struck

After months of rumors and speculation, Star Jones Reynolds announced that she would exit her long-running stint on the ABC chat-fest 'The View' -- in front of a live, stunned television audience.

According to sources, Jones Reynolds' announcement seemed to be impromptu as she held co-hosts Joy Behar and Barbara Walters' hands.

"I'm not sure what the future holds, but I'm sure who holds the future," she said, adding that she will leave in mid-July.

Walters, after beckoning the live studio audience to give Jones Reynolds a standing ovation, indicated the timing was a surprise, but expressed her "sadness that it has turned out this way."

"I can't imagine how 'The View' would have succeeded without you," Walters said to Jones Reynolds.

In her statement, the 44-year-old television personality and best-selling author added: "I've spent an amazing nine years as a part of 'The View' family, and they have been the most professionally and personally rewarding years of my life."

Jones Reynolds, a former prosecutor and lawyer, has involved herself in several other pursuits since joining 'The View' in 1997.

She penned a memoir 'You Have to Stand for Something or You'll Fall for Anything' in 1998 and 'Shine: A Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Journey to Finding Love' earlier this year; served as a spokesperson for her own signature wig line; hosted red carpet coverage for E! network's award specials; signed a lucrative deal to endorse Payless shoes; guest hosted CNN's 'Larry King Live; and became a Love & Relationship coach for AOL Coaches.

On her website, the Badin, North Carolina native has the phrase "I am the author of the only dictionary that defines me," emblazoned throughout as an insignia.

"Through it all, I have appreciated the support of my family, my friends and most importantly the viewers, and I am incredibly grateful for all of the love that has been shown to me," she added in the statement.

Early in the spring, it was announced that Rosie O'Donnell would join 'The View' in the fall, following the departure of beloved host Meredith Vieira (who went on to replace Katie Couric on 'The Today Show').

Jones Reynolds and the Emmy Award winning former talk-show host and comedienne have clashed in the past -- which added fuel to the rumors that Jones Reynolds' departure was imminent.

In this Friday's edition of 'People' magazine, Jones Reynolds will reveal that she was told her contract wouldn't be renewed just days before news leaked that O'Donnell would be joining 'The View.' "I feel like I was fired," she is quoted as saying.