"Peter and I have spoken a lot about this over the past six months and it has weighed on me because this the best job that I have ever had on television. It is family. It is a job that has allowed me to find my voice and my courage again and I will never forget that.
"When I told Paul Anderson, the CEO, of my decision earlier this week, he was incredibly supportive and understood my reasons with family and the network has been nothing but supportive and said any time I'm welcome back."
Rowe's co-hosts — including Joe Hildebrand, who appeared overcome by emotion and bowed his head at the desk throughout the segment — were effusive in their praise of their departing colleague.
"I have made one of the best friends I've ever had, and we've got that for the rest of our lives," said Denise Drysdale.
"What I love most about you, after chatting to [fellow co-host, who is off on maternity leave] Sarah Harris, is that you wear your heart on your sleeve and I can say from the bottom of my heart, rarely do you meet people with such kindness and courage and with your incredible work with mental health, you have brought comfort to so many people around this country and I want to read a little message from our lovely viewers at home," said Natarsha Belling.
Following Rowe's announcement, former Studio 10 executive producer Rob McKnight — who dramatically exited the show in November last year, publicly announcing that his services were "no longer required" — issued a tweet alleging Ten had "planned to sack [Rowe] for over a year":
A Ten spokesperson refuted McKnight's claims when contacted by news.com.au this morning:
"Mr McKnight's claim is completely wrong, obviously spiteful and deliberately misleading. As Jess said, she has decided to leave Studio 10 to devote more time to her family and her other interests. Anyone who suggests otherwise is being petty and ignorant. Jess is welcome back to TEN anytime."
McKnight, who is now employed by Newscorp and plans to sue Ten for breach of contract, responded to the network's statement with another tweet:
Rowe's manager David Wilson responded to McKnight's original tweet: "To be absolutely clear - Ten offered Jess a generous new contract for her to stay. Leaving @Studio10au was Jess' choice for the reasons she so beautifully articulated on air this morning. It takes great courage to make these big decisions."
Viewers were quick to express their disappointment that Rowe, who has been with Studio 10 since it launched in 2013, would be leaving the program:
Rowe's final day on Studio 10 will be Good Friday, March 30.
