NBC’s Peter Alexander announces exit after decades on air

Peter Alexander is stepping away from his long standing role at NBC News after more than two decades.

Based on latest findings, the 49-year-old Saturday Today host announced his departure during the March 28 broadcast, revealing his decision to focus on family life with wife Alison Starling and their daughters, Ava and Emma.

According to People, the news anchor stated, “I’ve been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven months, more than 200 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years.”

He continued, “So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me — it’s already happened quick I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives and to challenge myself with something new.”

Meanwhile, Alexander, who joined NBC News in 2004 and later became a White House correspondent, reflected on his journey with the network.

“It’s hard to believe, but I have been part of the NBC family for longer than I’ve had my own family,” he shared. “Studio 1A, being right here with his team and with all the folks you don’t see on TV, this is literally my happy place."

On the other hand, his co-host Laura Jarrett paid tribute on air, saying, “Peter, we love you, we are going to miss you. You are a brilliant journalist. You are a good and decent man, and you are an extraordinary father… You only get one shot to be Ava and Emma’s dad… They are lucky to have you as their father.”

As per outlet, Peter Alexander is set to join MS NOW, however the network has not commented.

RELATED: Robert De Niro takes anti-Trump stance at large-scale protest