Katie Couric has finally put the speculation to rest, announcing officially that she is leaving “CBS Evening News,” People magazine reported.

"I have decided to step down from the ‘CBS Evening News,’" she told the publication. "I’m really proud of the talented team on the ‘CBS Evening News’ and the award-winning work we’ve been able to do in the past five years in addition to the reporting I’ve done for ’60 Minutes’ and ‘CBS Sunday Morning.’ In making the decision to move on, I know the ‘Evening News’ will be in great hands, but I am excited about the future."

The other part of the speculation–what Couric will do next–remains open, with Couric refusing to confirm anything. But sources close to her continue to indicate she will focus on developing a daytime talk show, with fall 2012 as the targeted premiere date, as TVWeek previously reported.

As far as the fate of “CBS Evening News,” the betting line continues to be that Scott Pelley of “60 Minutes” will take over the anchor’s chair, as reported earlier, with CBS expected to make the announcement next week.