Jenny McCarthy says she will join 'The View' in September

NEW YORK, July 15 (UPI) -- Author and TV personality Jenny McCarthy has confirmed she will be a co-host on "The View" when the New York chat show starts its 17th season in September.

Current panelists Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck have both announced they are leaving at the end of this season, while Barbara Walters has said she will retire next summer.

Co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd are expected to return next season.

"YUP, I'M DOING 'THE VIEW'!" McCarthy announced on her blog Monday. "When word got out that Joy was leaving 'The View,' I knew that the timing of my desire and her departure might be serendipitous for me."

"Jenny brings us intelligence as well as warmth and humor," Walters said in a statement issued by ABC Monday morning. "She can be serious and outrageous. She has connected with our audience and offers a fresh point of view. Jenny will be a great addition to the show as we usher in an exciting new chapter for 'The View.'"

McCarthy has previously served as a guest co-host, as well as an interview subject on "The View."