Giuliana Rancic sheds light on 'hard' decision to leave 'E! News' (Exclusive)

Gibson Johns

Giuliana Rancic is shedding more light on her stunning decision to step down as co-host of "E! News."

The longtime E! personality first joined the daily entertainment news program as a correspondent in 2002, becoming an anchor in 2005. While she left for several years between 2015 and 2018, she's been back in the position for over a year now.

Last week, she surprised fans by sharing on social media that one year after her "incredible homecoming" to the show, her family and schedule "just won't allow for the commitment a daily show takes" as "E! News" heads to New York next year.

During an interview with AOL's Gibson Johns this week alongside husband, Bill, promoting the C3 Prize, she further elaborated on the difficult choice she made to step away once again from the show that made her a household name, revealing that she intends to give more of her focus to charitable efforts, raising more awareness for cancer and other things that she feels "very passionate about."

SEE ALSO: Giuliana and Bill Rancic talk about $100,000 cancer care grant

"It’s so hard, because I’ve been on E! doing 'E! News' since 2002, so a long time. I love the viewers, I love when people tell me they watch and I love that connection. For me it was definitely hard to announce that, because I love the show and it will always be such a big part of my life," Rancic told AOL. "I will pop in and do as much as I can and of course staying on 'Live From The Red Carpet,' so it was more about the schedule and what was right for my family and really honestly giving the opportunity to do things that I’m very passionate about, but haven’t been able to do as much."

"I want for those things to be more of a priority," she went on. "I knew that it was the right thing to do for me in my life and my family. I’m thrilled to stay with the network, it’s my second home. It’s exciting, and I’m just so happy to be able to take this stuff to the next level."

View this post on Instagram

Returning to E! News this last year was an incredible homecoming. As the show moves to NYC in January, many of you have asked if I will be returning full-time. I wanted to let you hear firsthand that I’ve decided I won’t be able to make this big move at this time. I love E! News but what’s best for my family, as well as my current schedule, just won’t allow for the commitment a daily show takes. ⁣ ⁣ As you may know, I lead several businesses...my clothing line G by Giuliana, Fountain of Truth skincare, and my role at RPM Restaurant Group, which is about to open its sixth location, keep me very active. In order to properly serve these and my other endeavors, flexibility is paramount. And nothing is more important than spending time with my family, which we are hoping to grow soon. ⁣ ⁣ That said, I will of course continue hosting Live from the Red Carpet and promise to pop into E! News from time to time 🥰 I adore and appreciate the great folks at E! for continuing to be incredible partners and understanding my decision and I appreciate YOU ALL for always being so supportive and kind ❤️ Love you all and I will see you next month at the E! People’s Choice Awards ✨

A post shared by Giuliana Rancic (@giulianarancic) on Oct 23, 2019 at 12:08pm PDT

Giuliana and Bill Rancic share a 7-year-old son, Duke.

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