Mary Hart to Leave Entertainment Tonight After Upcoming Season

Television reporter Mary Hart attends the American Women in Radio and Television 2010 Genii Awards at the Skirball Cultural Center on April 14, in Los Angeles, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Mary Hart, longtime host of Entertainment Tonight, will leave the show after its upcoming 30th season — which launches in September — according to the Entertainment Tonight website.

Hart joined the show in 1982 and intended to stay for three years, she said in a statement on the website on Thursday. In 1999, she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.

“Not only has she defined ET for almost three decades but she’s defined entertainment journalism,” said John Nogawski, president of CBS Television Distribution adds.

But Hart said she is ready for a new challenge.

“I’ve had the privilege of spending 29 years doing something I love -- how often does that happen?” Hart said. “I’ve reached a point when I clearly realize it’s time for a change. There are many things I want to do in my life and I'd better get on with them.”

Linda Bell Blue, executive producer of Entertainment Tonight, said that the company is trying to make Hart’s last season a grand success.

“She will remain first on the red carpet for the biggest award shows and will continue to interview Hollywood’s top stars,“ Blue said. ”We’re going to have a lot of fun this year.”

No decision has been reached concerning Hart’s replacement.