Denis O'Hayer retiring June 29 from WABE's 'Morning Edition'

At age 64, O'Hayer said it was simply time to take a step back. He will continue as a political contributor and a host of the podcast "Political Breakfast."

"I'm so grateful to the people of this community," he said in a brief interview. "It's so deeply moving."

The 2015 Atlanta Press Club Hall of Fame recipient said he loves what he does but "there's a time in life when you have to to focus on other things you love, too."

O'Hayer started at WABE as afternoon host for "All Things Considered" and "Marketplace." In 2015, he launched a new mid-day program with Rose Scott called "Closer Look." Later that year, he took over for Steve Goss as "Morning Edition" local host.

"I consider Denis a mentor and a friend," Scott said in an interview today. "He meant a lot to the newsroom over the years. He is definitely among the journalists in this market who I consider blueprints of how you do this job."

Goss, who has known O'Hayer going back to the late 1970s, considers him the best political reporter in the city: "He is so knowledgable, so adept at having people be accountable for what they say and do. I'm just amazed by his ability and talent and insight. I'm going to miss him on the air."

"Denis O'Hayer is a consummate journalist who takes working hard and being prepared to a level that we all strive to match" said Wonya Lucas, CEO of Public Broadcasting Atlanta, in a press release.  "His dedication to the audience and to the story and his depth of experience show in every broadcast.  I speak for all of my colleagues at WABE when I say we will miss him immensely on Morning Edition, but are very happy he will remain in the PBA family as a political contributor."