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A GOOD Morning America and ABC News legend is leaving the network after more than three decades – with tributes pouring in from the likes of Deborah Roberts and Diane Sawyer.

Michele Mayer, who has worked as stage manager across multiple flagship broadcasts, is returning to her home state of Kentucky.

GMA and ABC News legend Michele Mayer is leaving the network after more than three decadesCredit: Instagram/abcworldnewstonight
She began her career at ABC in the mid-1990s as a teleprompter operator during Peter Jennings’ tenure on World News Tonight.

Over the years, she became a key figure behind the scenes, working alongside anchors including Charles Gibson, Diane and David Muir.

Her departure was marked with an on-air tribute from the World News Tonight team.

“Finally tonight, a personal note about someone we will miss here at ABC News,” David said in the segment introducing Michele’s farewell.

Diane spoke about Michele’s behind-the-scenes role and influence on the anchor desk.

“I want all the wonderful people who watch World News to know that when you’re watching the person sitting at this desk, you’re really also watching the coach behind the camera. Michele was always there to say move it along, or slow it down, or time to get out, or, in my case, she had signs printed up [that read ‘Sit up straight’],” she said.

“When Shelly says sit up straight, you do,” David added.

Charles reflected on his first official night anchoring World News, recalling: “The first night the show was mine, not just filling in for Peter, I came into the studio and Michele said to me, ‘There may be some people around here who are a little bit afraid of you. I’m not. I’m the person that will tell you what to do.’ And she did, in the nicest way, for four years.”

David paid tribute to Michele’s long-standing role on the team. “I am still in denial about all this. I can’t believe Shelly is leaving. My partner in crime out there…you deserve this, Shelly, go home to Kentucky, back with your family and the horses and the beautiful countryside…I don’t know what I’m going to do,” he said.

Diane added: “We were just two Kentucky girls who got to the big city. She was hilarious when you needed a laugh and, most of all, she is and always will be a person who cares passionately about what we do.”

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Numerous ABC and Good Morning America colleagues shared messages of appreciation on social media.

“She always kept me on point btw. We’ll miss you fiercely, Michelle!” wrote Deborah in the comments of an Instagram post.

Chief meteorologist Ginger Zee called her “an institution,” adding, “Going to miss you dearly. Sending you all the sunshine.”

 TV personality Julie Smith added, “This is soooo sweet! This relationship really does become a close and valued one. Also… Kentucky ladies are where it’s at!”

ABC News correspondent Mireya Villareal also chimed in: “What an amazing career and journey! Your love and protective energy for the set and all its people were incredible to watch and experience. Enjoy your time back home.”

Deborah Roberts led the tributesCredit: Getty

She began her career at ABC in the mid-1990s as a teleprompter operatorCredit: Instagram/abcworldnewstonight

Her departure was marked with an on-air tribute from the World News Tonight team