Dan Rather Leaves CBS

Rather, who is 73 years old, will continue to work as a correspondent on the program "60 Minutes."

During the 2004 presidential election campaign, Rather was questioned on reports broadcast regarding US President George W. Bush’s military records. At the time, Rather stood by the reports; however, later stepped back when the documents appeared to be fake.

Rather had been planning to retire as anchor on his 25th anniversary in 2007, but the sudden announcement of an earlier retirement date implies a connection to the questionable reports on Bush.

Rather will resign as CBS news anchorman in March of 2005.