Longtime Fox News host Shepard Smith is leaving the network and stepping down from his role as chief news anchor and managing editor of the channel, the news network announced Friday.

Smith, who anchored his last afternoon newscast on “Shepard Smith Reporting” Friday, said he asked Fox to cut him from his contract so he could start “a new chapter,” Forbes reported.

“After requesting that I stay, they graciously obliged,” Smith said in a statement.

“The opportunities afforded this guy from small-town Mississippi have been many. It’s been an honor and a privilege to report the news each day to our loyal audience in context and with perspective, without fear or favor,” Smith said.

“I’ve worked with the most talented, dedicated and focused professionals I know and I’m proud to have anchored their work each day — I will deeply miss them.”

Smith had signed a new, multi-year contract extending his role with Fox in 2018, Forbes reported.

Jay Wallace, Fox News president and executive editor, described him as one of the best newscasters in the industry.

“His integrity and outstanding reporting from the field helped put FOX News on the map and there is simply no better breaking news anchor who has the ability to transport a viewer to a place of conflict, tragedy, despair or elation through his masterful delivery,” said Wallace.