Natalie Allen has left CNN International after 20 years of dedicated service.

Allen was based at the network's global headquarters in Atlanta, where she worked at the 'CNN Newsroom' from Thursday - Sunday.

The award-winning news anchor, who undoubtedly will be sorely missed by many around the world, announced her departure just moments before the end of her final hour in the morning of Sunday, October 4.

With more than 25 years of experience in broadcast journalism, Allen has also worked at NBC News, MSNBC and The Weather Channel, where she served as the network's first full-time environment and climate correspondent. She also anchored TWC's weekly news program, Forecast Earth, traveling the U.S. interviewing environmental pioneers and leaders in sustainability.

She first started working for CNN in 1992, going on to handle live coverage of a number of major news stories, including Syria's civil war, the Arab Spring, the Oklahoma City bombing, the O.J. Simpson murder trial and the deaths of Princess Diana, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa.

In 2010 she shot, produced and reported a 3-part CNN Freedom Project special on child trafficking from Vietnam and Cambodia, 'The Children of the Dump'.

The Memphis-born Leo won an Emmy Award and Edward R. Murrow Award for her reporting, and was also voted "Favorite Morning Personality" by the Florida Today newspaper whilst she was working as an anchor and reporter at WFTV in Orlando. 

Her early hour East Coast morning weekend slots from CNN's Atlanta HQ saw her become a primetime news anchor for CNN's European viewers, mainly in the UK where she grew a large and loyal following. 

This year, Allen has been particularly instrumental in the CNN newsroom, providing much appreciated facts behind the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, as well as crucial news in the gripping run-up to the US presidential election campaigns.

On today's show she introduced her final segment as something 'personal,' before breaking the news of her departure. 

“This is a special moment for me. It's sad but mainly happy. As I sign off this show right now, I'm also signing off from CNN.

“I worked twice for this incredible network for a total of 20 years, anchoring coverage of extraordinary events. This pandemic is just the latest, and what a story to leave on.

“Between my assignments here at CNN, I work at a different network as a climate correspondent and it made me realize that climate change is the story of our lifetime. So, I've made it my mission to cover the environment and climate solutions with a new venture I'll be starting.

“So, stay tuned for that, and stay with me via Instagram and Facebook and link in with me!

“I'm also planning to get married to a great guy, Dr. Jeff Rosensweig. On Earth Day in April, like many other brides and grooms, the Covid crisis delayed our previous wedding plan, so we have much to look forward to.

“Thanks to everyone here at CNN. I will miss my wonderful colleagues and my friends here. And, thank you for letting me be a little part of your lives.

“And that wraps up my final hour on CNN Newsroom. I'm Natalie Allen. Thank you so much for watching.”