"This is the right time to prioritize my health and family," Harris wrote in his announcement posted on Tuesday, April 8

Leon Harris, an anchor for NBC affiliate WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. — who took a leave of absence last year after a Thanksgiving broadcast prompted concern from viewers — has announced he is leaving the station.

On Tuesday, April 8, the longtime news anchor announced his departure after taking a four-month leave of absence "to focus on [his] health and family."

"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. I'm grateful to NBC4 for having me as part of their team for the last eight years," he wrote.

"This is the right time to prioritize my health and family," he added. "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 station announced the news via Instagram alongside their own statement about his departure. "We are grateful for Leon’s eight years of service to our newsroom. We thank him for his commitment to our community, dedication to journalism, hard work, and friendship," the station wrote. "He will be missed, and we wish him nothing but the best."