The rumours are true. Rosie O'Donnell will not be returning to fulfill her last 3 weeks of her contract with The View. ABC has just announced that Wednesday was her last day.
In a statement today, Brian Frons, the president of Disney-ABC's Daytime Television Group, said, "We had hoped that Rosie would be with us until the end of her contract three weeks from now, but Rosie has informed us that she would like an early leave. Therefore, we part ways, thank her for her tremendous contribution to 'The View' and wish her well."
Barbara Walters, the show's creator and co-executive producer, said, "I brought Rosie to the show. Rosie contributed to one of our most exciting and successful years at 'The View.' I am most appreciative. Our close and affectionate relationship will not change."
In her statement, O'Donnell said, "I'm extremely grateful. It's been an amazing year and I love all three women."
And on her Web site Thursday, O'Donnell wrote: "When painting there is a point u must step away from the canvas as the work is done."
O'Donnell announced at the end of April she was leaving "The View," and her last day was supposed to be June 20.
Her scrap with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on Wednesday sealed the deal. Rosie is over it. Too bad for The View - there goes 50% off their viewership.
