After more than 16 years, Canadian television personality Dina Pugliese is stepping down from co-hosting City tv’s Breakfast Television (BT) to focus on her health.
Pugliese joined the morning news show in October 2006 and warmed the hearts of Canadians every weekday morning with her pleasant personality and sharp insights.
She says her decision to leave the breakfast show was not an easy one.
“This didn’t happen overnight. This is a feeling I’ve had for a while now,” she announced on Wednesday.
“This job has been, not a job, it’s been a passion. It’s been a blessing from day one. I was never blessed with children, but I was blessed with all of you to feel like my nieces, my nephews, my godchildren, my true family,” Pugliese emotionally continued.
Although the Toronto-born, Italian host believes her determination, love for the city and loved ones she’s met along the way have kept her afloat, she admits waking up early to report morning television has taken a toll on her health.
“I find, more and more, it has taken both a mental and physical toll and we’ve got to listen to ourselves. We know the importance of our health. I’m taking that to heart, I’m listening,” she explained.
Pugliese says she is finally prioritizing rest and spending time with her immediate family, including travelling with her husband, Alex Mirkovich, and also dedicating time to her clean beauty line, The Care Principle.
The beloved morning host bids farewell but promises she will make it a point to remain connected.
“I’m going to be here for you in many ways, every single day,” she says, practically in tears. “I thank you so much for letting me into your living rooms, into your hearts, into your lives. I just want to say thank you for your love and support. Thank you.”
Fans flooded Pugliese’s departure posts with kind words and well wishes on Twitter.
Pugliese’s last day will be on Feb. 24.
