E! News anchor, Maria Menounos, has decided to step down from her position at the network due to her battle with a brain tumor.

The news anchor told People magazine she was diagnosed with a tumor in April and underwent a seven-hour surgery to remove the tumor, which happened to be on her 39th birthday.

"I am so grateful for the past three years at E!, I had such an amazing time co-hosting with Jason Kennedy and working every day with the wonderful roster of talent on the show including producers, staff, and crew," Menounos said. "It was such a special, good-hearted group and one I'll always consider family. A special thank you to [NBCUniversal Cable's] Frances Berwick and [E! president] Adam Stotsky for all the support they have shown me through the years especially during these tough times. I will truly miss everyone and I'll be looking forward to this next chapter in my life."

The 39-year-old's diagnosis came after her mother's, Lista Menounos, battle with stage four brain cancer.

She also mentioned that her mother "never cried" over their double diagnoses.

"She's always been positive." Menounos also added that her mother's cancer appears "to be shrinking."

As for the E! host, her fiancé, Keven Undergaro, revealed that she is currently recovering from the surgery.

"I don't have my balance fully yet but as long as I'm holding on to Keven, I'm sturdy and fine," Maria told People. "My face is still numb. This is something that takes at least a month of healing, but I'm getting stronger and stronger every day and I'll be back to normal very soon."

Menounos made her decision to leave the network so she can focus on her recovery, as well as her mother's.

"I am so grateful for the past three years at E!, I had such an amazing time co-hosting with Jason Kennedy and working every day with the wonderful roster of talent on the show including producers, staff, and crew," Menounos said."It was such a special, good-hearted group and one I'll always consider family."

Related
Tags
Maria Menounos, E! News