Updated October 17, 2017 14:21:24

Karl Stefanovic farewelled his former co-host Lisa Wilkinson on The Today Show this morning, but made no mention of her reasons for quitting.

Wilkinson announced her resignation last night and will be jumping ship to Ten, where she will co-host The Project.

Channel Nine said her resignation came after the network failed to meet her expectations on a contract renewal.

That breakdown in negotiations reportedly came after Nine refused to pay Wilkinson the same as Stefanovic, who earns $2 million each year.

News Corp has reported that Wilkinson only received $1.1 million.

Stefanovic steered clear of that speculation this morning, saying she would no longer be appearing on the show "for whatever reason".

Sylvia Jeffreys congratulated Wilkinson on her move, saying she was a "powerful" inspiration for young women, and Richard Wilkins wished her all the best.

Here's exactly what Stefanovic said:

"For 10 years, Lisa has dragged herself out of bed at 3:30 in the morning, fed the dogs and cats, put a load of washing on and came into work to inform you of what was happening in the world.

"For 10 years, she handled the brutal hours with grace, beauty and intelligence and a wicked sense of humour.

"For whatever reason she won't be doing that any more.

"It is safe to say we are all a little shocked and it will take time to sink in.

"So for now this: Thank you. Thank you for the laughs, the sage advice, the calmness, oh, the calmness. And thank you for all of your support. Thank you for being a great colleague. Thanks for being a great interviewer.

"Thanks for being a great dancer and a truly, truly terrible singer. Thanks for being a great mum. I know you value that more than anything else, and thank you for being a great friend.

"The rest I will leave for when I see you, but whatever you do, and wherever you go, you do so having made your mark on this show and on this man.

"Mostly you go with my love, lots of love, all my love. We will see you soon, maybe after midday. Enjoy the sleep-ins."

Here's what Jeffreys said:

"It has been an enormous, a tremendous privilege to share a part of Lisa's Today Show experience, and it is a tremendous privilege to share a beautiful friendship with her, and I know that continues for a very long time to come.

"I did speak with Lisa last night and I thanked her and I congratulated her because ultimately this is an exciting time. It is the start of a brilliant and exciting new chapter and I will be cheering her on as I always do as she takes on this next challenge.

"Here is the thing — seeing is believing for young girls and for young women and what they see in Lisa is a strong, influential, fun and compassionate woman at the very, very top of her game and that is a very powerful thing.

"If you are watching Lisa, I hope you are enjoying this morning your breakfast with Pete and the kids and it would be even better if Pete prepared that breakfast for you and you are in a fluffy robe enjoying yourself."

And here's Wilkins:

"Lisa, we look forward to celebrating with you when we all get the chance to get together.

"But look, we've shared so many laughs, hundreds of flights and thousands of hours on air and obviously we all wish you all the best and many of our wonderful producers and the team members behind the scenes have asked us to pass on their love and appreciation for your decade of waking up on Today.

"All the best."

Topics: arts-and-entertainment, television, media, australia

First posted October 17, 2017 10:38:17