After an incredible 21 years hosting  Sunrise, David “Kochie” Koch has confirmed his departure from the popular daytime breakfast show.

The 67-year-old, who is the longest-serving breakfast host in Australian television history, announced the news of his retirement live on air on Monday, May 29.

“I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 21 years,” Koch told viewers.

“I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people and to cover so many moments of history in the making. It really is the world’s best job.

“What I’ll miss most is working with the amazing Sunrise team, especially Nat [Natalie Barr], Beretts [Mark Beretta] and Dave Walters who have been with me for virtually the entire time on the show. I reckon I’ve spent more time with them than my family and it has been an utter joy. I’ll miss the Sunrise viewers who have energised me every single day.

“I’ve also appreciated the support of the Seven Network, from the Chairman down, for allowing me to be myself, for their understanding when I’ve stuffed up – which is more often than I’d like to admit – and for their constant encouragement and respect,” he continued.

“I know I’m going to miss it enormously, but it’s time for me to work business hours, and for Libby and I to have a bit more flexibility to enjoy our burgeoning family, to travel and focus on our family business interests in Pinstripe Media and the Ausbiz business channel. As everyone knows, I’m a finance nerd so you’ll still see me pop up every so often on RBA board meeting days or covering other big financial news, but as a guest rather than host.

“Coming up to 20 consecutive years as Australia’s most-watched breakfast show is a nice moment to exit stage left with an enormous sense of pride and gratitude. Thank you for the privilege,” Koch concluded.

Rumblings of Koch’s departure from the popular morning show initially began when the grandfather of eight revealed that he was on the verge of quitting Sunrise in 2018 after admitting that he was “battling stress” after years of having to wake up early to entertain viewers.

“I thought this would be our [my] last year doing Sunrise,” Koch said at the time.

“I was wondering whether it was time for a change but Seven disagreed, so it was good. I’ve got another two years.”

Channel 7 is yet to reveal who will be replacing the beloved host.