Barbara Walters Confirms on 'The View' She's Retiring Next Year

After more than 50 years as a trailblazer in journalism, Barbara Walters officially announced her retirement Monday.

"I have been on television continuously for over 50 years, but in the summer of 2014 — a year from now — I plan to retire from appearing on television at all," Walters said Monday on "The View."

"It has been an absolutely joyful, rewarding, challenging, fascinating, and occasionally bumpy ride and I wouldn't change a thing. I am perfectly healthy. This is my decision. I have been thinking about it for a long time and this is what I want to do," said Walters.

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Walters, 83, confirmed reports of her imminent retirement late Sunday after months of speculation, and announced she will step down from on-air television next summer. Until then, she will continue to appear on ABC News, "The View," and various specials throughout the year.

"There's only one Barbara Walters," ABC News President Ben Sherwood said in a statement. "And we look forward to making her final year on television as remarkable, path-breaking, and news-making as Barbara herself. Barbara will always have a home at ABC News and we look forward to a year befitting her brilliant career, filled with exclusive interviews, great adventures, and indelible memories."

Walters' career spans decades, starting in 1961 when she became the first woman to serve as a co-anchor on a major network morning show on NBC's "Today" show. After 15 years there, she moved to ABC in 1976 to co-anchor the evening newscast, later becoming the co-host of "20/20."

Known for asking tough questions, Walters has interviewed every major politician and public figure of the last 50 years, including Fidel Castro, Anwar Sadat, Vladimir Putin, Tom Cruise, and Angelina Jolie.

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Walters' retirement announcement drew an outpouring of support on Twitter, with fans, celebrities, and media personalities all tweeting messages to the legendary anchor.

.@barbarajwalters has announced her retirement to come in summer 2014 after an incredible 50 yrs of making tv history abcn.ws/13TSEzm
— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 13, 2013

.@barbarajwalters is a wonderful journalist and friend. She paved the way for all of us...and has always been there for me.
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) May 13, 2013

Congratulations @barbarajwalters a pioneer in many ways and just all around professionalism and class. Xox Marlee
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) May 13, 2013

Congrats to Barbara Walters on a spectacular, path-breaking career. Can’t wait to celebrate this whole year.
— GeorgeStephanopoulos (@GStephanopoulos) May 13, 2013

.@barbarajwalters Have a helmet ready tho not sure you need it! Thank you 4 breaking thru so many walls nyti.ms/10I8QVM #Trailblazer
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) May 13, 2013

@theviewtv I am extremely of Barbara Walters, a real trailblazer! America will miss her voice and presence!Let's enjoy the last year!
— Bernie Morton (@Rdr48) May 13, 2013

Watching @barbarajwalters retirement on #TheView,she has opened many doors for women in television! I will always idolize her. #inspiration
— Opal Vadhan (@OpalVadhan) May 13, 2013

Watching The View right now and it's so inspiring to listen to Barbara Walters talk about her amazing journey. She's a first! @shesthefirst
— Becca Wertheim (@BeccaWertheim) May 13, 2013

What an icon @barbarajwalters ! congrats on all that u have accomplished ! @theviewtv we shall for ever be changed because of u #theview
— Jonathan(@Johnmarc) May 13, 2013