Rosie's out (the door), won't be back

ABC has announced that Rosie O'Donnell will not be coming back after her break to finish out her run on The View. Rosie had three weeks left in her contract, but the two are parting ways early, which seems like a good idea given the friction both on-camera and off (reportedly) as of late.

From the statement issued by Brian Frons, the president of Disney-ABC's Daytime Television Group:

"We had hoped that Rosie would be with us until the end of her contract three weeks from now, but Rosie has informed us that she would like an early leave. Therefore, we part ways, thank her for her tremendous contribution to 'The View' and wish her well."

Barbara Walters said (in that way that only Barbara and Cheri Oteri can):

"I brought Rosie to the show. Rosie contributed to one of our most exciting and successful years at 'The View.' I am most appreciative. Our close and affectionate relationship will not change."

In her statement, Rosie said:

"I'm extremely grateful. It's been an amazing year and I love all three women."

And on her blog, Rosie said:

"When painting there is a point u must step away from the canvas as the work is done."

Which I would take to mean, "I have sufficiently rendered that twit Elisabeth Hasselbeck harmless to the American public and my services are now required elsewhere".

Well, it's the end of an era: because while Rosie certainly ruffled a lot of feathers, she did a hell of a lot for gay visibility on television. We'll miss her.