Rita Cosby has released this statement confirming her departure from MSNBC, as reported by Page Six today:

"NBC replaced live programming with taped shows during some primetime slots, including mine. I then began discussions with the network about my future interests and expressed my desire to move on.

NBC and I have agreed on my departure date as being March 31st. I am committed to devoting my attention full-time to my work and obligations at the network. I intend to continue doing so until I leave at the end of the month.

I wish all of my MSNBC and NBC colleagues the best for the future. As of April 1st, I will begin to explore the new opportunities."