Apparently, Meredith Vieira would rather wake up next to Matt Lauer than Star Jones Reynolds. Not that we blame her.

Just one day after Katie Couric announced she was ditching her morning gig on NBC to take over the CBS Evening News, Vieira kept the game of network musical chairs alive, announcing on The View Thursday morning that she will succeed Couric as Today show anchor this fall.

Vieira, 52, made the big announcement during the "Hot Topics" segment of the show, shortly after the ladies paid lip service to Couric's impending move, of which Vieira said, "I think she will do a phenomenal job." Barbara Walters teased the revelation by saying their show had "some news of our own."

"I've spent nine wonderful years on this show," Vieira said, prefacing her departure announcement. "If you're going to grow, you have to change. I'm very honored that NBC has asked me to cohost the Today show. I'm thrilled, I'm really thrilled."

Of course, Vieira was also quick to note that the decision wasn't easy--she has rejected several offers over the years to return to her newsier roots in lieu of remaining at the femme-centric gabfest--and became emotional and teary during the announcement.

"I believe in growth, but right now I'm feeling terrific growing pains," she said. "I could not possibly be in this position if it had not been for all of you."

Walters, herself a former Today show personality, echoed the sentiment, along with offering her own congratulations.

"This is a very sad day for us but a very happy day," Walters said. "I know this is a wonderful new chapter for you."

Joy Behar also didn't hide her feelings for her cohost, telling Vieira, "I'm miserable that you are leaving."

While Couric is leaving the Today show when her contract expires May 31, Vieira is not expected to ascend the morning show throne until September.

The new position is slightly more in keeping with her background than The View ever was--Vieira previously worked as a correspondent on 60 Minutes and up until joining Walters & Co. in 1997 was known strictly for hard news, winning seven Emmys for her TV journalism. Vieira will likely have to give up her job as host of the syndicated Who Wants to Be a Millionaire--a gig that earned her a Daytime Emmy last year.

Vieira beat out internal NBC candidates Ann Curry, Campbell Brown and Natalie Morales to become Couric's successor, and her future coanchor was among the first to praise the appointment.

"Meredith is a real pro and I think it speaks volumes that NBC has brought her here to Today," Lauer said in a statement. "I have been her fan for years and I can't wait to be her partner. She has the perfect background and personality to make a real mark on this show and in morning news in general.

"I'm thrilled to welcome her aboard."

Vieira's future boss, too, expressed his excitement at the newest member of America's self-proclaimed "First Family."

"Meredith's vast experience as an award-winning journalist, as well as talk show host, make her the ideal candidate for this job," said Jeff Zucker, CEO of NBC Universal Television Group.

As for the newly opened seat on The View, ABC has yet to announce--‹or even hint at‹a possible replacement, though Internet rumors are already buzzing that

Tom Cruise's original ex, Mimi Rogers, is among those being considered.