Report: Matt Lauer to leave 'Today'

NEW YORK, April 6 (UPI) -- "Today" co-anchor Matt Lauer plans to leave the U.S. morning program when his contract expires at the end of next year, "Entertainment Tonight" reported.

The news comes amid reports that Lauer's co-anchor, Meredith Vieira, wants to quit the show to spend more time with her ailing husband when her five-year "Today" pact expires in September.

The "Today" show's producers released a statement Wednesday addressing the rumors.

"There seems to be an awful lot of speculation around news anchors these days, and it's not our practice to comment on any of it. Matt Lauer has a long-term contract with NBC News and 'Today,'" the statement said.

Lauer has been with the show since 1997.