NEED TO KNOW
John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois’ time as co-anchors has come to an end.
The CBS Evening News co-hosts shared their final broadcast on Thursday, Dec. 18, roughly one year after the duo first collaborated for the national show. Their joint departure comes as CBS News editor Bari Weiss continues implementing changes within the network.
Dickerson, who first joined CBS in 2009, announced his departure in October following the controversial Paramount and Skydance merger. Earlier this month, DuBois said he was exiting the network after two decades.
As their broadcast neared its close on Thursday, the two anchors began a segment in tribute to their time on CBS Evening News.
“Being invited into your homes each night has been the honor of a lifetime,” DuBois began. “This year I’ve traveled the country to cover communities dealing with unspeakable tragedy and loss, but shining brightly always was the heart and soul of everyday people.”
“I’ve walked out of here each night extremely proud of the work we’ve done together, and you — our viewers — I cannot thank you enough for placing your trust in us,” he continued.
The scene cuts to different glimpses of DuBois’ work this year, from covering the wildfires in Los Angeles to traveling across the country to obtain interviews. DuBois also congratulated the vast network of journalists at CBS, particularly highlighting producer Marwan Al-Ghoul for his dedicated coverage in Gaza.
Gail Schulman/CBS News
DuBois then turned to Dickerson for his most personal goodbye message of all. “John, you’re an outstanding journalist and even better person. I’ve learned quite a bit from working with you. I’m proud to call you not just a colleague, but a friend,” DuBois said.
“A year and a half ago we didn’t even really know each other. And you’ve become a model for me, and a trusted friend,” Dickerson replied.
Dickerson then shared a few behind-the-scenes snaps of him and DuBois, from their “planning” stage in which they determined how best to address viewers’ needs, together and with the rest of the CBS staff that helps bring their program to fruition each night.
“It has been an honor to put the work of our correspondents, producers, editors, and writers before you,” Dickerson said. “And to work with my partner, Maurice, who put his heart into our shared concern, doing right by you … your expectation has been our responsibility and our reward.”
The pair then signed off for the last time as co-hosts, echoing the iconic closing words from Edward R. Murrow, “Thank you for watching. Good night and good luck.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Dickerson’s final broadcast will take place on Friday, Dec. 19.
Dickerson and DuBois’ tenure on CBS Evening News comes after Norah O’Donnell’s five years at the show’s helm. Substitute anchors will host the broadcast until CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil permanently takes over the evening program on Jan. 5.
