President Obama's Press Secretary Jay Carney is leaving his post after three year of being the spokesperson to the president, according, to Reuters.
Obama said it was "bittersweet" to see his friend Carney step down and announced that principal deputy press secretary Josh Earnest will take over the job, Reuters reported.
Carney said the ultimate transition will take place around mid-June, but Earnest will take his place traveling next week on Obama's trip to Europe, according to Reuters.
Carney expressed his appreciation for working at the White House for five years, even though he says being press secretary is not easy, Reuters reported.
"It's an important interaction that takes place here," Carney said, according to Reuters. "It's not always pretty. It could certainly be better. But to be a part of it is an honor and a joy for me. And no matter how tough the briefing is, I walk out of here having been glad to stand here."
Carney worked as a reporter who once covered the White House for Time magazine before taking on the role as the President's spokesperson, Reuters reported. He left journalism to become communications director for Vice President Joe Biden and subsequently moved over to serve as Obama's press secretary in 2011.
"He comes to this place with a reporter's perspective," Obama told reporters after interrupting Carney mid-sentence as he responded to a question on Ukraine in the Brady Press Briefing Room, according to Reuters. "That's why, believe it or not, I think he will miss hanging out with you."
Obama said Carney's job has put a strain on his family and the press secretary told him in April that he's been wrestling with the decision whether to leave for some time, Reuters reported.
Carney said he's made no decision yet on his next step but plans to take the summer off before starting a new job, according to Reuters.
