WCCO parts ways with morning anchor Kim Johnson

WCCO morning anchor Kim Johnson has announced that she is no longer with the station.

"Friends, it is with a heavy heart to tell you that I am no longer an employee of WCCO," she posted Monday on Facebook. "It has been a dream to tell stories of my hometown with my fellow Minnesotans for six years. I pinched myself everyday walking into that building and will continue to do so as I reflect on the privilege it has been to be a journalist at one of the best TV stations in the country. I am not sure what my future holds but I have faith (and) I will keep my chin up and be okay."

Johnson was informed of management's decision to part ways with her while she was on vacation last week.

"This may sound like an overexaggeration, but I equate losing this job with losing the love of my life," Johnson said in a phone interview late Monday. "But I don't want this to come across as a pity party. With the riots and all the other layoffs going on, I know I've been privileged. There is zero room for me to feel sorry for myself."

The Maple Grove native has been with the station since 2014. She interned at the station while attending the University of Minnesota.

The decision appears to be part of significant layoffs throughout the country at CBS owned stations. Morning anchors were also let go last week in Chicago and Pittsburgh.

"We are restructuring various operations at CBS as part our ongoing integration with Viacom, and to adapt to changes in our business, including those related to COVID-19," CBS said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with our departing colleagues for their friendship, service and many important contributions to CBS."

Johnson said she doesn't know what she'll do next, but that she'd like to continue to serve the state in some capacity. She also won't be wasting any time holding grudges.

"I have zero angst or bad feelings about WCCO," she said. "They gave me my dream job for six years. I will sing their praises until my last breath."