Sherri Shepherd Links ‘The View’ Departure To Divine Timing

(EEW Magazine Entertainment News)--Some people are sad to hear that Sherri Shepherd, 47, is leaving her
daytime gig as co-host of ABC’s The View after seven years. She, on the other hand, is attributing the move to
God’s will and timing.

“The number 7 is God’s number of completion & after 7 seasons my time at The View is now complete!” she
tweeted, adding that she is “so grateful” for everyone’s love and support during this transition.

This is one of two breakups Shepherd is going through. The other is a painful split from her husband Lamar
Sally.

According to ABC, the network is moving in “an exciting new direction next season” that will not include
Shepherd or the newest addition to the program, Jenny McCarthy.

Though there have been rumblings about contractual differences acting as a catalyst for Shepherd’s exit, in an
official statement obtained by EEW Magazine she said, “It's been seven wonderful years on The View and after
careful consideration it is time for me to move on. I am extremely grateful to Barbara Walters and Bill Gedde for
giving me the opportunity.”

Continued Shepherd, “I look forward to the business opportunities that lay ahead for me and I am incredibly
grateful to my View family and my fans for supporting me on this journey."

Of the many fans who will miss seeing her wide smile daily, the faith community will especially feel the void of
her absence.

Shepherd, who is unapologetically outspoken about her faith in Jesus Christ, is a voice of faith on the program
and has also been instrumental in creating inroads and opportunities for Christian artists to grace The View’s
stage before millions of viewers.

She has welcomed Mary Mary, Tamela Mann, Jamie Grace and more to the program in a time where it can be
tough to get Christian acts mainstream exposure.

News of the major shakeup comes on the heels of Barbara Walters’ May 16th retirement from the show she
created.

ABC also said executives have “made decisions to evolve the show creatively."

Before becoming a permanent co-host on The View, Shepherd frequently guest hosted the show. She
becaame an official show staple Monday, September 10, 2007.