David Muir admitted he was ‘in denial’ as he paid a special tribute to a beloved ABC World News Tonight colleague while announcing her departure after three decades at the network — a time filled with fast-paced deadlines, countless live broadcasts, and the kind of behind-the-scenes health and wellness stress that many never see.
The 51-year-old anchor bid farewell to stage manager Michele Mayer at the end of Tuesday night’s episode,
revealing that he got his hair cut and wore a full suit especially for her last day — a lighthearted but meaningful moment amid the emotional strain that often comes with major life transitions, both personally and professionally.
After more than a decade working together, Muir revealed that Mayer was returning to her home state of Kentucky — and that he’s going to be lost without her. Colleagues say that transitions like these, though bittersweet, often remind teams of the importance of mental wellness, especially in high-pressure industries like media, where stress management is as crucial as technical skills.
Alongside archival footage, Muir affectionately referred to his colleague as ‘Shelly’ as he recounted her impressive history at ABC World News Tonight.
