Howard Stern has officially departed from SiriusXM after nearly two decades on air. This morning, Andy Cohen confirmed the news, putting an end to speculation about Stern's future with the station. Many listeners tuned in, hoping for a grand announcement from Stern, but Cohen addressed the audience directly, stating, "I know you’re expecting a big announcement from Howard and this is not how things were meant to go. This was supposed to be a cleaner hand off. I’m kind of winging it. I can’t overstate what Howard has meant to this company and what he did for SiriusXM. He walked so that we could run. I can’t possibly fill his void."

Cohen revealed that Stern had been feeling unwell and had "totally shut down" during the summer. He had intended to share his decision with listeners last week but was unable to do so due to his health. Sources indicate that Stern's departure is linked to frustrations over a new contract he was negotiating with SiriusXM. His current contract, valued at an impressive $500 million for five years, is set to expire at the end of this year.

Additionally, it has been reported that Stern is grappling with the declining health of his mother, Ray Schiffman Stern, who is approaching her 98th birthday in October. In a previous show, he expressed his emotional struggle, saying, "It rips my heart out. I don't want my mom to be uncomfortable. I just want to fix her."

Stern's exit marks a significant moment for SiriusXM, as he has been a pivotal figure in the company's growth and success over the years.