Deborah Roberts Replaces Amy Robach as New Co-Anchor for ABC News' “20/20”: 'The Thrill of a Lifetime'

"What a privilege and honor to keep the legacy going," Roberts wrote on Instagram of her promotion

Deborah Roberts is making well-deserved moves!

The veteran broadcast journalist, who has been at ABC for 28 years, has secured the position of co-anchor for 20/20 in the coveted primetime news slot at the network.

"Once you have really planted yourself firmly into a program like this as I have over the years, you look for more," Roberts, 63, told Variety in an interview published on Tuesday, adding that the advancement to co-anchor helps solve that. "You always feel like you have a little more ownership of a program and more of a say in what it's all about."

Roberts, who is married to the Today show's longtime weatherman Al Roker, will join David Muir in her new role. She replaces Amy Robach, who departed ABC News in January after the network. launched an investigation into her romance with her GMA3: What You Need To Know co-anchor T.J. Holmes.

"After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes about different options, we all agreed it's best for everyone that they move on from ABC News," an ABC spokesperson said in a statement at the time. "We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions. A decision for new co-hosts [of GMA3 and 20/20] will come later."

Related: Al Roker Celebrates Wife Deborah Roberts' 63rd Birthday: 'You Are Just Getting Warmed Up'

Prior to her new 20/20 role, Roberts has reported for Muir's show, World News Tonight with David Muir, along with Good Morning America and Nightline. She's also served as a substitute anchor on GMA, as well as a guest co-host on ABC's The View.

The Emmy Award-winner first started reporting for 20/20 in 1995 after getting recruited by TV pioneer Barbara Walters.

Later on Tuesday, Roberts shared her new "privilege and honor" to her followers on Instagram.

"I have some news to share. I am thrilled and humbled to step into the role as co anchor @abc2020 alongside my friend and colleague @davidmuirabc," she began. "We are proud to carry on the tradition of in-depth reporting on this venerable newsmagazine which has revealed truths and opened hearts and minds for 46 years, beginning with the great Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs."

"It is the thrill of a lifetime to travel the path which Barbara cleared for women like me who dreamed of reporting meaningful and life changing stories," she added. "What a privilege and honor to keep the legacy going @abcnews #gratitude."

Celebrities like Viola Davis reacted to the heartfelt post. "I celebrate you sis!!! Deserved," Davis wrote with three heart emojis, while ABC's Robin Roberts chimed in, "Yessssssss!!!"

Related: 'GMA' 's Robin Roberts and Deborah Roberts on Their Friendship–Turned–Allyship: 'No Bounds ... No Exceptions'

Expressing joy for his wife, Roker, 69, posted a press shot of Roberts and Muir to his own Instagram page.

"So proud of @debrobertsabc being named co-anchor along side @davidmuirabc of legendary #newsmagazine @abc2020," Roker wrote. "It was 28 years ago when #barbarawalters was on the other end of the phone, inciting Deborah to lunch and talk about joining g her on the broadcast. And now, she gets to continue that legacy."

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Weighing in on the network's decision, ABC News president Kim Goodwin touted Roberts as a "first-class journalist."

"Deborah Roberts is one of a kind — a first-class journalist who brings heart, authority and integrity to every story she covers," Goodwin shared, per Variety. "Along with David Muir, she embodies the DNA of 20/20, inspiring the team and people around the world with every thoughtful word, inspiring report and impactful interview."

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