In a statement issued today on The View's website, it was officially announced that Rosie O'Donnell is leaving the show a month earlier than expected: "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."
The final straw came on Wednesday when Rosie and co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck got into yet another hostile debate - this one was the worst. Rosie has posted on her website blog that she had given her last view on The View.
