Joy Behar to talk 'View' departure on Monday's show

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NEW YORK, March 9 (UPI) -- Joy Behar will discuss for the first time on Monday's edition of "The View" her decision to leave the New York chat show after 16 years, ABC announced.

The network confirmed this week Behar's planned departure at the end of this season, but the 70-year-old comedian has not mentioned it on the air yet.

"As an original cast member, Ms. Behar has been instrumental in the success of 'The View' since its creation in 1997 and will continue to appear for the remainder of the season," ABC said in a statement.

"You can't stay forever on a show," Behar told ABC's "Good Morning America" in an exclusive statement. "I am graciously exiting stage left. I've put in 16 years and felt the time was right. I want to explore other opportunities."

Behar serves as co-host of the program along with Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd.

UsMagazine.com, citing a "View" insider whose name it did not report, said Friday Hasselbeck, the lone conservative on the show's panel, has been told her contract will not be renewed.

Hasselbeck, 35, has been with the show for nine seasons.