Barbara Walters close to retiring after 52 years: report

Barbara Walters is set to retire from broadcasting in May 2014, according to a number of sources, including reports from Deadline and the New York Times.

The 83-year-old journalist, who has had several recent health scares, is expected to make the announcement next month.

The longtime ABC News personality had chicken pox this past winter and suffered a concussion. In 2010, Walters had heart bypass surgery.

More from GlobalPost: Barbara Walters recovering from chicken pox (VIDEO)

Walters was the first prominent woman to anchor the “Today” show, and went on to anchor ABC's evening newscast where she remains one of the network’s chief correspondents.

Walters' co-host at "The View" Joy Behar recently announced she will be leaving the show at the end of this season, the Huffington Post reported.

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.