Nancy O’Dell Quitting Access Hollywood

Even though her contract doesn’t expire for two more years, Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell has announced she is leaving the show.

A statement from her rep.

“The original member of the Access Hollywood family, co-anchor and respected broadcast journalist Nancy O’Dell, has chosen to leave the show after 13 years.  O’Dell appreciates NBC’s cooperation as she begins this next chapter in her career. Even though she will be leaving for a new opportunity, this decision is based totally on Nancy’s desire to take her career to the next level and is completely amicable. She will continue on with projects as a broadcast entertainment journalist.”

A source tells People mag that O’Dell has been uncomfortable for the past few months with what she sees as the show’s more sensational direction.  Their source says:

“She has spent a lot of years building respect in the entertainment community and celebrities trust her.  She’s known as the nice and classy girl. She values that.”

Nancy is married to business exec Keith Zubchevich. They have a 2-year-old daughter, Ashby, together and she is also the step-mom to sons Tyler, 14, and Carson, 10.

photo: Bauer Griffin