Jennifer Zamparelli has opened up about her departure from RTÉ 2FM and said "it's been a real privilege to work in one of the coolest radio stations".
Speaking to Laura Fox, who has been covering for Zamparelli, the departing presenter said it was an extremely difficult decision to make and admitted she had been "flip-flopping for a while".
"I know at the moment it's unpredictable and there is lots of gossip and lots of things going on – but isn't that what we love about it?
"I knew I made the right decision because I had been flip-flopping for a while. But last night when it came on the news, I was watching with my kids and when the newsreader explained the reason why – that I want to spend time with my family – my son hugged me."
She laughed: "But he's wrecking my head this morning, so if you will have me back…"
Zamparelli has presented her own show from 9-12pm weekdays on 2FM since May 2019. She joined the station in February 2014 on Breakfast Republic.
The Dancing with the Stars presenter thanked Laura Fox and 2FM for allowing her to come back and sign off "here where she should" and praised the station for championing Irish music, saying it is the "home of the greats".
Zamparelli also praised her dedicated team and said she had never worked in a place with "such amazing women" and the most creative women she had ever met.
"It's been amazing to be a little magpie and get ideas from them and be inspired from them... The women are deadly," she said.
The broadcaster thanked her team and listeners for all of their support and said she doesn't know how she's gotten away with having so much fun for so long.
"I can't believe I got this far... being able to do what we did and get away with it."
Head of RTÉ 2FM Dan Healy said he has "no fear" about the future of the station after a number of high-profile presenter departures and announced that Laura Fox will replace Jennifer Zamparelli on the morning programme on 2fm.
Speaking on Today with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 on Friday, Healy acknowledged there would be a "difficulty" in terms of transition with listenership ratings but was adamant 2FM will "evolve".
He said he was "sorry" the presenters were leaving but was excited about the future.
Paying tribute to Jennifer Zamparelli, he described her as "bold, brave, funny".
"Jen is moving on after 10 years. It's her decision, I accept that decision," he told the programme.
He said The 2 Johnnies had done a "stunning" job for the station and Doireann Garrihy was "fantastic".
When questioned about whether the restrictions on external activities placed by RTÉ upon presenters had contributed to the exits, he replied: "It played a role to a certain extent, but it's not the reason."
