On Friday morning Mike Avery & Deanna Falzone tearfully said their goodbyes after waking up West Michigan for nearly 7 years on Fox 17 Morning News.

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Friday morning was the final broadcast for the duo who were paired together in 2014.

They've been two of West Michigan's most well-liked and recognized broadcasters during that time. Both tried to unsuccessfully hold back tears during their sign-off.

It was announced earlier this week that the duo would be moving into new phases of their lives.

Mike Avery, who's been helming mornings since 2010, had this to say:

It’s now time for a new adventure. My family and I are heading to Northern California to be closer to family for the first time in nearly 20 years. We are excited, but will certainly miss all our friends here in West Michigan. I wish you all the best and we can certainly stay in touch through social media. In the coming weeks, I will also share what I will be doing next. Take care, West Michigan, and Thank You for taking care of us.

While Deanna will be staying with Fox 17, she says she will shift into a new role that will allow her to spend more time with her young children:

For the first time since becoming a mom, while working remotely I was able to wake up with my boys on a regular basis. It was one of those things that I didn’t realize I was missing until I experienced it. My boys are only little for so long and they deserve more than I am able to give them right now (with an alarm that goes off in the middle of the night). As they say, the days are long, but the years are short. And in this fleeting season of life, I feel called to be more present with them... I will be transitioning to a part-time role providing content centered around the good happening all around us. The stories filled with hope and resiliency. The kind of stories that we could all use a little more of these days.

While no announcement has been made on their replacements, reporter Ryan Cummings revealed on facebook he will be stepping into one of the morning slots:

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