Just over three years after taking over the desk at World News Tonight, anchor Charles Gibson has decided to retire from full-time employment. The official announcement came today after several weeks of discussions with ABC News President David Westin.

Charles, who has been with the network for over three decades, found himself in our homes every night in May 2006 following Peter Jennings’ death, Bob Woodruff’s injury and Elizabeth Vargas’ pregnancy. The unexpected post delayed what would have originally been a 2007 leave.

Prior to his evening news gig, Gibson had worked on both Good Morning America and Primetime Thursday.

In an email to his fellow staffers, the 66-year-old expressed gratitude for everyone he had worked with. “It has not been an easy decision to make. This has been my professional home for almost 35 years. And I love this news department, and all who work in it, to the depths of my soul.”

Gibson’s departure will pave the way for an interesting news landscape. For the first time ever, two women will solo anchor two major evening broadcasts. Katie Couric will now face off against ABC’s Diane Sawyer.

“Diane Sawyer is the right person to succeed Charlie and build on what he has accomplished. She has an outstanding and varied career in television journalism, beginning with her role as a State Department correspondent and continuing at 60 Minutes, Primetime Live, and Good Morning America,” David Westin said. “We are fortunate to have a journalist of Diane’s proven ability and passion to step into the important position of anchor for World News. She will continue with her documentaries in her new role.”

Charlie’s exit will happen sometime after the holidays. No word at this time what Sawyer’s new gig will mean for GMA.