David Muir reveals he faced a “really heavy time” after being in denial over a major exit. Read his emotional confession and what it means for his future.

It has been an emotional few weeks for David Muir over at ABC’s World News Tonight.

The 51-year-old hunk has been the face of ABC’s primetime news cycle for over a decade, and it looks as though he is not slowing down anytime soon. The journalist discussed his decade-long venture during an appearance on LIVE with Kelly and Mark, with close pals Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, where he opened up about a series of topics that come with constantly being on the small screen.

Referencing the fact that David’s show recently took home Outstanding Live News Program for the third year in a row at the 6th annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards, Kelly couldn’t help but praise him.

“I predict you’re literally going to be the Oprah Winfrey of the evening news, where you take yourself out of contention so the other anchors have [a chance],” she quipped.

David Muir© ABC

David explained that despite landing the top spot for the third year in a row, it was also the third year in a row he couldn’t attend the banquet. He revealed that he had prior commitments the first two times and was too “superstitious” to attend the third time.

He also pointed out, “It’s really about the team. I was at a dinner, but I did have the phone on with the live feed. I just glanced over and I could read the lips, and I think they said ‘ABC World News,’ and then the team gets up.

“And I have to say, I told the team, it meant more to me to be able to see them go up on the stage, they’re incredible. These folks, I’ve been working with [them] for 11 years now,” David went on to gush.

David also recalled Kelly and Mark being there for his first week as anchor after he replaced Diane Sawyer, who left in August 2014. Mark asked whether it felt the same from then to now, suggesting that the recent news cycles might make it more difficult.

“Listen, it’s been a really heavy time, and it hasn’t let up,” David replied. “I’ve joked with you guys, I feel like I need to say, ‘Good evening, and I’m sorry’,” although he added after, “But we’ll get through it.”

The TV star’s admission comes just a few days after he had to bid a fond farewell to his beloved colleague, stage manager Michelle Mayer, who quit the network after more than 30 years to move back to her hometown of Kentucky.

David halted the broadcast last Tuesday to pay an emotional tribute to Michelle ahead of her exit with the help of Diane and Charlie Gibson, who also had the pleasure of working with her.

“I am still in denial about all this,” David admitted during the emotional segment, adding, “I cannot believe that Shelly is leaving my partner in crime out there. She’s the one who’s cuing me every single night, standing next to the camera, but Shelly, only for you tonight, I hope you’ll notice that you’re going to see my cuffs.

“The only reason anyone ever sees cuffs is because Shelley’s always saying, pull your cuff. My watch. I’ve got my watch on, because Shelly likes it when I show up with my watch on. Only happens, like once or twice a year.”

The star wasn’t finished with his special touches there though, as he also pointed out, “I got a full suit on today, only for you, Shelley, as you know, usually jeans in the waist down behind that desk. But for you, the full suit. And I don’t dig the jeans, and I got a haircut. I got a haircut for you. “

David concluded by gushing, “This moment is yours. You deserve this, Shelley. Go home to Kentucky, giving back with your family, the horses, and the beautiful countryside. And what 11 years this has been by my side—I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you.”

The segment ended with the camera panning to Michelle, who—for the last time—was gesturing to cue David off air.