The veteran host has been at the helm of the weekly NBC public affairs show for a decade. That ends in September, when he officially steps down and leaves the show in the hands of Kristen Welker. He made the announcement at the tail end of this week's program. 

"I'd rather leave a little bit too soon than stay a tad bit too long....I've let work consume me for nearly 30 years. I can't remember the last time I didn't wake up before 5 or 6 AM. And as I've watched too many friends and family let work consume them before it was too late, I promised my family I wouldn't do that."

Meet The Press is the longest running show in TV history, having first aired way back in 1947. It has not been off the air since. 

You can watch his early farewell announcement here.