John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois brought an emotional chapter of broadcast journalism to a close as they signed off together for the final time as co-anchors of CBS Evening News on Thursday, Dec. 18. The farewell marked the end of a partnership that lasted just over a year but left a deep impression on viewers and colleagues alike. As the broadcast drew to a close, the tone shifted from professional composure to heartfelt reflection, with Dickerson visibly struggling to hold back tears while paying tribute to the man he called both a mentor and a trusted friend.

The two anchors stepped away from the desk amid ongoing changes at CBS News, which are being overseen by editor Bari Weiss. Their joint departure follows a period of restructuring within the network, creating a sense that their farewell was not just personal, but symbolic of a broader transition underway at CBS. For many viewers, the moment felt like the end of an era defined by steady reporting, thoughtful storytelling, and mutual respect between the co-hosts.

Maurice DuBois opened the closing segment with a message directed squarely at the audience. He spoke about the privilege of being invited into viewers’ homes night after night, describing it as the honor of a lifetime. Reflecting on the past year, DuBois recalled traveling across the country to cover communities grappling with unimaginable tragedy and loss. Yet, he emphasized that through every assignment, what stood out most was the resilience, compassion, and humanity of everyday people. That spirit, he said, remained the heart and soul of the stories he was proudest to tell.

DuBois went on to express deep gratitude to viewers for placing their trust in the broadcast and in the team behind it. He said he walked out of the studio each night feeling proud of the work they had accomplished together. As he spoke, footage played highlighting his reporting from the past year, including coverage of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and journeys across the country to secure meaningful interviews. He also took time to recognize the broader CBS News team, singling out producer Marwan Al-Ghoul for his dedicated and courageous reporting from Gaza.

The most personal moment of DuBois’ farewell came when he turned his attention to Dickerson. Speaking directly to his co-anchor, DuBois praised him not only as an outstanding journalist, but as an exceptional human being. He shared how much he had learned from working alongside Dickerson and said he was proud to call him not just a colleague, but a genuine friend. The words were delivered with warmth and sincerity, underscoring the bond the two had built during their relatively brief collaboration.

Dickerson’s response was visibly emotional. His voice wavered as he reflected on how unlikely their close connection once seemed. Just a year and a half earlier, he explained, the two men barely knew each other. Yet over time, DuBois had become a role model and a trusted friend, someone he admired deeply both professionally and personally. As Dickerson spoke, the camera captured him blinking back tears, a rare and moving moment for a journalist known for his calm and analytical presence.

He then shared behind-the-scenes photos of the pair working together, offering viewers a glimpse into the planning and collaboration that went into each nightly broadcast. Dickerson emphasized that the work of CBS Evening News extended far beyond the anchors at the desk. He paid tribute to the correspondents, producers, editors, and writers whose efforts made the program possible, saying it had been an honor to present their work to the public each night.

Dickerson reserved his final words for DuBois, praising the way his co-anchor brought heart and integrity to every shared concern they addressed on air. He said their responsibility had always been to meet the expectations of their viewers, and that doing so had been both a duty and a reward. The mutual respect between the two men was unmistakable, turning the farewell into a deeply human moment that resonated far beyond scripted television.

Together, they closed the broadcast with a nod to broadcast history, echoing the iconic sign-off made famous by Edward R. Murrow: “Thank you for watching. Good night and good luck.” The words carried added weight in that moment, serving as both a farewell and a reminder of the journalistic legacy they sought to uphold.

John Dickerson’s departure from CBS News comes after a long tenure that began in 2009. He announced his exit in October, following the controversial merger between Paramount and Skydance, a deal that has fueled uncertainty and debate within the industry. Maurice DuBois, meanwhile, revealed earlier this month that he would be leaving the network after two decades of service, closing a significant chapter in his career.

Their time at CBS Evening News followed the five-year tenure of Norah O’Donnell, who previously led the program. In the interim, substitute anchors will guide the broadcast until Tony Dokoupil, currently a co-host on CBS Mornings, officially takes over the evening news on Jan. 5. The transition marks another step in the network’s evolving strategy as it navigates a shifting media landscape.

Dickerson’s final appearance on CBS Evening News is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19, bringing his chapter at the program to a close. For viewers, the farewell between Dickerson and DuBois stood out not just as a professional sign-off, but as a rare glimpse into the trust, respect, and friendship that can develop behind the scenes of a national news broadcast. Their final moments together served as a reminder that journalism, at its best, is built not only on facts and reporting, but on human connection, shared values, and the quiet bonds formed in pursuit of the truth.