One of Atlanta’s most beloved anchor women announced her retirement today.

Monica Kaufman-Pearson, known for her various hairstyle changes over the years, announced that she will be retiring after 37 years on the Atlanta airways as a Channel 2 Action News Anchor.

“I’ve  earned the right to rest,” Kaufman told viewers at about 4:12 p.m. “No more breaking news. No more working on holidays.”

“I will miss you the viewers.”

Pearson, ends her television career just a few months after Oprah Winfrey ceremoniously called it quits on her show as well.

I know you’re like, ‘why bring up Oprah?’… well did you know that Kaufman actually beat out Winfrey for the WSB Anchor position?

Oprah never let her forget it either! I swear… it’s true! I even have video proof!

Details…

VIDEO: Monica Beat Out Oprah For WSB Job

Kaufman spoke in the video above about how she originally worked in Louisville, Kentucky and applied for the WSB-TV Anchor gig.  Two other people were up for the job, Oprah Winfrey and Jane Pauley (Dateline NBC).

Monica says she always wondered what would have happened had she not got the job and revealed that Oprah later gave her “holy hell” about stealing her position.  Monica’s response?

With all the blessings you have, you are TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! So I don’t even wanna hear it.

You got EVERYTHING you want!

In a full circle moment, Kaufman also interviewed Oprah back in 1986, when O’s show had been picked up by Channel 2.

VIDEO: Monica Kaufman Interviews Oprah Winfrey (1986)

According to the AJC, Monica says that she plans to write a book, go to grad school and work on a travel website.

When she announced her retirement yesterday afternoon, Pearson joked to co-anchor Justin Farmer that not only did she work with his father Don, but also noted: “I’m old enough to be your mama!”

And you know what… she’s right!

VIDEO: Monica Kaufman 1978

We’ve watched Monica Kaufman Pearson on WSB for as long as I can remember and while we all joked about her hairstyle choices, her professionalism was never in question.

Pearson’s final day will be July 25.

[Flashback: I sat in Monica’s chair once when I worked at the Lottery… seems like a gazillion years ago!]

ATLien circa: 2004

You’ve been an inspiration to many Monica and I wish you all the joy and happiness life can bring.

FULL PHOTO GALLERY