On Monday, May 29, David ‘Kochie’ Koch announced, after an incredible 21 years hosting the popular breakfast show Sunrise, he will retire on Friday, June 9.
WATCH: Behind the scenes with Nat and Kochie. Article continues after video.
“I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 21 years,” Kochie said.
“I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people and to cover so many moments of history in the making. It really is the world’s best job.
“What I’ll miss most is working with the amazing Sunrise team, especially Nat [Natalie Barr], Beretts [Mark Beretta] and Dave Walters who have been with me for virtually the entire time on the show. I reckon I’ve spent more time with them than my family and it has been an utter joy. I’ll miss the Sunrise viewers who have energised me every single day.
“I’ve also appreciated the support of the Seven Network, from the Chairman down, for allowing me to be myself, for their understanding when I’ve stuffed up – which is more often than I’d like to admit – and for their constant encouragement and respect,” he continued.
“I know I’m going to miss it enormously, but it’s time for me to work business hours, and for Libby and I to have a bit more flexibility to enjoy our burgeoning family, to travel and focus on our family business interests in Pinstripe Media and the Ausbiz business channel. As everyone knows, I’m a finance nerd so you’ll still see me pop up every so often on RBA board meeting days or covering other big financial news, but as a guest rather than host.
“Coming up to 20 consecutive years as Australia’s most-watched breakfast show is a nice moment to exit stage left with an enormous sense of pride and gratitude. Thank you for the privilege,” Kochie concluded.
WATCH: Kochie announces his retirement from Sunrise
Messages of support immediately poured in following Kochie’s announcement.
Kochie thanked all his well-wishers live on Sunrise on May 30. He also revealed that his ‘rival’, Today show host Karl Stefanovic, had reached out to him too.
“Thank you to everyone who’s been so lovely; unbelievable messages,” Kochie said.
“A wonderful, classy, respectful one from Karl Stefanovic was so nice. Really adored that one.”
Former Sunrise co-host Melissa Doyle also took to Instagram to support to her ex-colleague and wrote:
“Here’s to remembering the laughs, tears, experiences, embarrassing moments and highlights, the wonderful loyal viewers and incredible team. Congratulations @kochie_online on 21 years of @sunriseon7. So proud to have been part of it. Enjoy those sleep ins. ❤️”
Mark Beretta wrote, “Kochie, you have made an enormous contribution to changing the entire tone of breakfast TV for the better. Your generosity, honesty and care for others has made a massive impact on so many. I could never have wished for a better mentor and mate. Love you so much mate. Enjoy this new chapter and thanks so much for all you have given us over so many years. Go Port…. And Go Cats!!!!!”
Mark has followed up on his words of support for Kochie in an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle. The sports presenter revealed that the 67-year-old has “wanted to wind up for a little while”.
Following this statement, he also quashed rumours that the long-time host had been given the boot.
“That’s absolute BS, it just didn’t play like that, and Seven, after all this time, wouldn’t do that to him,” he told the outlet.
“No one pushes out someone who’s got a number-one rating show. That really annoyed me.”
The Morning Show’s Kylie Gillies wrote, “Legend broadcaster. Legend bloke. Our loss is your family’s gain. Enjoy what’s ahead ❤️”
Blue Wiggle Anthony Field wrote, “Great innings Kochie! All class!🔥”
Singer Dami Im shared, “Ohh Kochie I have loved chatting with you over all the years.. You’ve been so kind and a constant for so many of us. We’ll miss you on our screens every morning…. Thank you for all the joy you’ve brought to Australia.”
Former Sunrise co-host Samantha Armytage also shared a message.
“I want to wish Kochie all the best in his future. And to many well-deserved sleep-ins ahead,” she wrote on her Instagram story.
While many have speculated the pair ended things on bad terms following Sam’s Sunrise departure, Kochie shared further clarity on The Kyle and Jackie O Show.
“We didn’t end on bad terms,” he said.
“Don’t forget Sam, she quite publicly, said that she wanted to get out of media and that scrutiny, she sent me a really nice note on that announcement, as did Mel, I think I’m seeing Sam tonight at a function.”
Matt Shirvington has been confirmed as Kochie’s replacement.
