Elisabeth Hasselbeck bids farewell to 'The View'

NEW YORK, July 10 (UPI) -- Elisabeth Hasselbeck, the lone conservative panelist on "The View," confirmed on the air that Wednesday is her last day on the New York chat show.

Hasselbeck, 36, and Fox News Channel announced Tuesday she will be joining "Fox & Friends" in September, replacing Gretchen Carlson, who is getting her own show.

Hasselbeck smiled as she walked out on "The View" stage Wednesday with her arm around co-host and producer Barbara Walters.

The studio audience gave Hasselbeck a standing ovation as she took her seat for a final time.

"I am a little emotional," Walters said. "It was reported last night that our Elisabeth Hasselbeck is leaving us to join the Fox Network. I'm a little teary, but I always want what's best for you. You know how I feel about you. I'm happy that you're going. No, I'm not happy that you're going, but I'm happy that it's good for you."

"I'm really happy and excited to confirm that, indeed, I will be joining the 'Fox & Friends' team in September," Hasselbeck said. "Today is officially my last day at 'The View' and for a decade I've been able to work efficiently at this table only because -- and I mean this with my whole heart -- everyone behind the scenes has worked more efficiently, so a huge thanks to everyone on the production team. You are awesome."

Hasselbeck went on to praise Walters for her wisdom, guidance and professionalism and thanked co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar and Sherri Shepherd for their warmth, humor and friendship, despite their opposing political views.

Hasselbeck began her TV career as a contestant on "Survivor" where she was one of the four finalists on the show's second season.

"Elisabeth's warm and engaging personality made her a star on 'The View,'" Fox News Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Roger Ailes said in a statement announcing her hiring Tuesday. "She has proven to be an excellent conversationalist and I am certain she will make a great addition to our already successful morning franchise."

Behar and Walters have both announced they are leaving "The View," while Goldberg and Shepherd have said they intend to stay on the show.