MSNBC anchor Andrea Mitchell, 77, stepping down from her namesake show

Longtime journalist Andrea Mitchell announced she will step down from her weekday show on MSNBC following the presidential inauguration early next year.

Mitchell, who will turn 78 on Wednesday, has been with NBC News for 46 years and has covered every presidential election for the outlet since 1980. 

Her weekday show, Andrea Mitchell Reports, has been on the air since 2008. 

During her Tuesday broadcast, Mitchell said she wanted time to do more of what I love the most: more connecting, listening and reporting in the field.

Mitchell said that she asked for the opportunity to continue covering politics and foreign policy, but from a different vantage point.  

Andrea Mitchell, 77, is stepping back from her noontime show Andrea Mitchell Reports to focus on domestic politics and foreign policy from a different vantage point 

Mitchell, who has been with NBC for 46 years, began hosting her Andrea Mitchell Reports in 2008

She added: Especially as whoever is elected next week is going to undertake the monumental task of handling two foreign wars and the political divisions here at home. 

NBC News said in a statement to Variety: Andrea remains one the countrys foremost and most trusted experts on foreign policy and domestic politics. Her deep sourcing and ability to land the biggest-name news-making interviews are unmatched 

Mitchell plans to stay with NBC News as chief foreign affairs correspondent and chief Washington correspondent. 

From primaries, debates, elections, and inaugurals here at home... to breaking news around the globe - my goal will continue, as it has always been, to bring you, our viewers, the major newsmaker shaping our country and the world right here on MSNBC, she said. 

Andrea remains one the countrys foremost and most trusted experts on foreign policy and domestic politics. Her deep sourcing and ability to land the biggest-name news-making interviews are unmatched, NBC News said in a statement 

Today Show anchor Hoda Kotb and CBS anchor Norah ODonnell both shocked viewers with their departure announcements this year

NBC added in its statement that Mitchells contributions to NBC News over the last 46 years have been invaluable to the network, and we are so please that she will remain an essential part of the News Group for years to come. 

NBC has seen exits from other veteran anchors, including Nightline co-anchor and investigative journalist Cynthia McFadden, and Harry Smith, who had been with the outlet for 12 years. 

Hoda Kotb, an anchor on The Today Show, also announced she will be stepping back from her morning program next year to focus more on her young children. 

Former CBS Evening News anchor Norah ODonnell shocked viewers in August after quitting her anchor and managing editor roles. ODonnell had led the show for five years and spent 12 years as a network anchor.