Meredith Vieira Leaving 'Today' -- Favorite Moments Remembered

COMMENTARY | Meredith Vieira has officially announced that she is leaving NBC's "Today Show," after nearly five years of co-hosting with Matt Lauer. According to the New York Times, she is leaving the show behind to spend more time with her family, refuting rumors that her husband, Richard Cohen, who has multiple sclerosis, is in worsening health. Vieira's last day on the most popular morning show's hosting couch will be June 8, after which she will replaced by news desk anchor Ann Curry.

In her time on the "Today Show," Vieira has ranged from hardball interviews with the likes of Hilary Clinton to on-location special broadcasts, such as enduring freezing weather at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. She has played hapless cook's helper to countless chefs and questioned lifestyle experts on how we should live our lives. As varied and accomplished as her tenure at "Today" has been, my favorite on-air moments of the spunky host are when she is in the spotlight, getting active and showing off her quirky personality.

Meredith vs. Martha Stewart

Vieira's lack of cooking skills has been emphasized practically since she first set foot on the "Today" set. That hasn't stopped her from issuing a couple spirited challenges to domestic diva Martha Stewart. They most recently faced off in a gingerbread house competition, but my favorite is their 2009 apple pie baking contest.

Vieira used her mother's apple pie recipe, showing us a framed, handwritten version, as well as a photograph of her mother. It was extremely touching. Her snarky back and forth with Stewart is always fun to watch, but her best zingers (as usual) were aimed at Lauer. "I use Flake-O, an homage to you," quipped Vieira to Lauer about her pre-made crust.

Tango with Apollo Ohno

Going from ice rink bleachers, clad in a puffy white winter jacket, to on the ice in Lycra and skates, Vieira interviewed Olympic medalist Apollo Ohno in March 2010. The best part was when she switched to a sparkly red and black dress and took tango lessons from the speed skater and "Dancing with the Stars" winner. This is one of my favorite "Today" moments because it rolls Vieira's interview skills, willingness to get physical and personality all into one. I remember feeling really engaged in the segment. Her antics somehow humanized Ohno and made his story more relatable.

Going Gaga

The "Today Show" Halloween episodes are my favorite of the year, mainly because of Vieira's costumes. In the past she has become Princess Leia, Pinocchio, Lily from "The Monsters" and even a mermaid Bette Midler, but nothing tops her hilarious 2010 performance as Lady Gaga. In the requisite multi-toned blond wig and fantastical pink dress, Vieira took the stage in the midst of lights, smoke and saucy backup dancers.

I have to admit, when I first saw Vieira getting down "Bad Romance" style, I actually thought she was Gaga for a split second. Realizing it was Vieira, I laughed through the rest of the bit. It was unexpected and yet so typically Meredith Vieira.