Ann Curry announces 'Today' ouster

NEW YORK, June 28 (UPI) -- Ann Curry announced on "Today" Thursday's edition of the U.S. morning program would be her last as co-anchor with Matt Lauer.

Rumors about Curry's ouster as co-anchor of the morning program have been swirling since last week.

Low ratings and a lack of chemistry with co-anchor Matt Lauer have been cited as reasons for her firing from the post.

Curry succeeded Meredith Vieira as co-host alongside Lauer a little more than a year ago.

Curry told USA Today Wednesday she would no longer be a "Today" show co-host, but an anchor-at-large and NBC News national/international correspondent. She announced her "Today" exit and new role with the network Thursday morning.

"This is not easy to say," Curry, 55, said with tears in her eyes.

"I will still be part of the 'Today' show family, in a different role," she said. "To those of you who saw me as a ground-breaker, I am sorry that could not carry the ball across the finish line -- but, man, did I try."