Nancy O’Dell has exited Entertainment Tonight after serving as co-host of the syndicated series for nearly a decade.
During Friday evening’s show, the longtime entertainment journalist told viewers the broadcast would be her last.
“Tonight, I’m excited to tell you about the start of a new chapter in my life,” she said. “A new chapter for this small-town, grateful girl from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who used to watch fellow Carolinian Leeza Gibbons and Mary Hart on Entertainment Tonight thinking, ‘Wow, what beautiful, powerful women and what a cool job they have!’ … to now having that job for nine years and being a veteran host on the red carpet for almost 25 years.”
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O’Dell went on to thank the many celebrities she’s interviewed over the years, her co-workers and longtime co-host, Kevin Frazier.
“I wish I had the time to list names because so many will forever be in my heart, like you, KFray (Kevin Frazier),” she added.
The red carpet veteran said she plans to continue working in the genre and will spend more time with her family.
“I’m going to enjoy some time off with the most wonderful gal in my life, my daughter, because they grow up way too fast. She is always my priority and then I’ll focus on my new project,” she said
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O’Dell previously hosted Access Hollywood from 1996 to 2009, the year she joined Entertainment Tonight.
She thanked her longtime talent rep and friend, John Ferriter, for helping her land the ET gig. Ferriter a longtime Hollywood power player — whose clients included Piers Morgan, Arsenio Hall, Erin Burnett, and Holly Robinson Peete — died on July 25 from complications of pancreatitis.
“My manager/agent and dear friend of 20 years, John Ferriter, helped me get this job at ET. He passed away just a week ago. Shortly before his passing, he told me life is too short, do what makes you happy, you’re creating your own best life,” O’Dell said before dedicating her final broadcast to Ferriter.
“This last signoff is for you, John, and for all the viewers whom I have an unbreakable bond with from our daily chance to talk all things entertainment. That bond will never change,” she said. “So, it’s not goodbye, but rather just turning the page to the next chapter.”
