KC: The Last Stand

May 31, 2006, the top story of the morning: after 15 years of early mornings, forever changing hairstyles, and the type of perkiness that only a mother could really love, Katie Couric steps down from her co-anchor role on TV's #1 rated Today Show.

Matt, Al and Ann paid numerous tributes to their co-star through montages, anecdotes, quips and of course the obligatory Tony Bennett tribute. Was three hours of "all about Katie" a little much? Maybe. But by the time Katie said her final "goodbyes" tears were unabashedly shed.

I may have been at odds lately with Katie's growing conservatism. I tried to change the channel, but ultimately kept coming back. Through 9/11, Columbine, the Oklahoma bombing, Katrina, the deaths of husband Jay, Princess Diana and JFK, Jr., numerous Olympics, live colonoscopies, fluffy interviews with B-list celebs, outdoor cooking demonstrations and maternity-wear fashion segments, Katie has held the nation's hand.

"Don't be a stranger, because if you do, I'll come calling." - Ann Curry

"I will miss that smile, and I'll miss the face, and I'll miss the spirit that you bring to this." - Al Roker

"I thank you for the laughs." - Matt Laurer

Upon waking this morning and switching on a Katie-less Today, the team has moved to a "temporary summer location," Ann is in the driving seat, and promos with Meredith abound. Katie has well and truly gone to that great CBS in the sky. But yes, ultimately we will miss the laughs!

[ Oh, and by the way, did you know that Sally Field is on Boniva to fight her osteoporosis? ]