US TV
Rex Features
The 66-year-old joined ABC in 1975 and served two stints as co-host of Good Morning America. He was also an anchor of the Primetime news magazine.
Gibson delayed his retirement to take the World News anchor job in 2006 after predecessor Peter Jenning died of lung cancer.
Signing off for the last time on Friday, he said: "It’s hard to walk away from what I honestly think is the best job in the world - but my parents taught me you should understay - not overstay your welcome.
"And there is so much to do. In the years I have left, I don’t want to miss any of it."
He will be succeeded by his former Good Morning America co-anchor Diane Sawyer on Monday.
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