Beloved News Anchor To Leave DC Station

WASHINGTON, DC — Beloved news anchor Leon Harris revealed this week that he is leaving NBC Washington to "prioritize his health and family."

Harris confirmed his departure in a Tuesday statement released on the official NBC4 website and also on social media.

The announcement comes five months after Harris went viral for his appearance in a Thanksgiving broadcast, during which he seemed to struggle stringing words together, according to a USA Today report. Following the broadcast, he took a medical leave of absence.

"Many of you have kindly asked about me over the past few months. As you know, I took time off to focus on my health and family," Harris said in his statement. "After 40+ years of nonstop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I've made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4."

Harris did not provide details about his health but expressed gratitude for the eight years he worked at NBC4.

"This is the right time to prioritize my health and family," he said. "A special thanks to my amazing colleagues, friends, and especially to our viewers who welcomed me into their homes. It’s been an honor. Thank you."

The network released its own statement acknowledging Harris's contributions to the station.

"We thank him for his commitment to our community, dedication to journalism, hard work, and friendship," the statement said. "He will be missed, and we wish him nothing but the best."

Before coming to NBC4, Harris worked as an anchor at CNN and ABC affiliate WJLA-TV. He has won more than a dozen local Emmy Awards, including two for best local news anchor, according to a biography on the NBC4 website.