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Rahel Solomon shocked viewers by announcing her CNN exit live on air. The 37-year-old anchor of Early Start made the stunning declaration Monday morning, revealing she’ll depart the network by Friday, ending her four-year tenure as one of cable news’ most promising business journalists.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final broadcast: Friday, March 27, 2026, closing one year as Early Start host
- Announcement timing: Made live during her 5 a.m. show Monday morning to millions of viewers
- CNN tenure: Four years, starting as business correspondent in April 2022
- Next chapter: Details undisclosed, but she expressed excitement about new opportunities
Live Declaration Shocks CNN Newsroom
Rahel Solomon delivered her resignation with grace during Monday’s broadcast.
“Now, to some personal news, I have decided that this will be my last week at CNN,” she told viewers, her voice steady. “More to come on what’s next for me, but I’m really excited about this next chapter,” Solomon added, acknowledging her colleagues and viewers with gratitude.
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The announcement came as a surprise to the newsroom, though CNN confirmed they were “grateful to Rahel for all her contributions” and “supportive of her decision.” Colleagues expressed warmth toward her departure, with the Early Start team rallying behind the anchor.
From Business Correspondent to Morning Anchor
Solomon’s career arc at CNN spanned multiple roles and major industry coverage.
She joined CNN in April 2022 as a business correspondent, covering critical economic stories including the 2023 banking crisis and the Credit Suisse emergency takeover. Viewers praised her clear explanations of complex financial topics across shows like CNN Newsroom and CNN International.
In March 2025, Solomon ascended to anchor the new early-morning program, Early Start, a five-to-six a.m. slot that opened CNN’s weekday schedule. The role was prestigious but demanding, requiring her to be on air at dawn to set the day’s news agenda.
Career Milestones at CNN
| Position | Timeline |
| CNN Business Correspondent | April 2022 – March 2025 |
| Early Start Anchor | March 2025 – March 2026 |
| Coverage Focus | Inflation, job market, banking crisis |
| Maternity Leave | Six months after baby girl born |
Balancing Motherhood and Morning Broadcasts
Solomon’s personal life shifted significantly in 2024. She married Philadelphia lawyer Marcel S. Pratt at the Philadelphia Museum of Art last year and welcomed a daughter into her family.
Following her six-month maternity leave, Solomon returned to Early Start just three months before announcing her exit. The demanding 5 a.m. broadcast schedule, combined with motherhood, likely influenced her decision to explore new opportunities. “It has been an honor, truly, to serve as a business correspondent,” she told viewers, reflecting on her CNN contributions.
“So this is truly not goodbye, but see you soon.”
— Rahel Solomon, CNN Early Start Anchor
What’s Next for the Rising Business Journalist
Solomon has not disclosed her destination after CNN, but speculation swirled about her future immediately.
Her Ethiopian-American background, education from St. John’s University and Northwestern’s Medill School, and proven track record covering complex economic issues position her for roles at major networks, digital platforms, or financial media companies. Before CNN, she reported for CNBC and anchored at KYW-TV in Philadelphia. Her ability to connect with audiences on economic policy and breaking financial news makes her a valuable asset in an evolving media landscape.
Industry observers noted that Solomon’s exit coincides with uncertainty at CNN following Paramount’s acquisition of the network. However, Solomon did not directly cite the leadership changes as her reason for departing.
Will CNN Replace Early Start’s Anchor Soon
CNN has not announced Solomon’s replacement as Early Start anchor, leaving the prestigious 5 a.m. slot vacant after Friday. The network will need to find someone capable of delivering breaking news at dawn while explaining complex financial and business topics to early-morning viewers tuning in for context before their workday.
As Solomon departed gracefully, she encouraged viewers to “keep watching” CNN, signaling she remains a supporter of the network despite her exit. Her final week on air promises heartfelt goodbyes and reflection on her four years contributing to cable news’ business coverage.
Sources
- People Magazine – CNN anchor announcement and career timeline coverage
- Variety – Network exit statement and professional background
- The Daily Beast – Live-air announcement details and exit reporting
