After 43 years with HSN, program host Bobbi Ray Carter is ready to say goodbye with a retirement celebration fit for a home shopping legend.
“My first show is Friday night because I’ve done a show with Sam Saboura, who’s absolutely fabulous. That’s kind of going to be sort of like a look back at my career,” Carter exclusively shared with Us Weekly on Wednesday, March 18. “And then on Saturday, we’re going to sort of promote the countdown.”
As for her very last show on Sunday, March 22, Carter already predicts tissues may be in order.
“I’m working with people that I love. That was the most important thing, and I really wanted everyone to be there if they could,” she said. “I’m pretty sure almost all my guests are going to be there. That was important to me, because they’re not just guests. These people are now my friends because we’ve been together for many years. I look forward to that.”
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Since 1983, Carter has been selling everything from fashion and tech to beauty and home goods to millions of viewers through the small screen.
Over the years, she’s been able to work with major stars like Twiggy and Liza Minnelli. Along the way, she’s built a connection with viewers that Carter doesn’t take for granted.
“We have viewers coming for my final show. We have an audience and my whole family, kids, grandkids, everybody’s flying up,” she teased. “I’m just so blessed to be able to be surrounded by all of that warmth and the texts and phone calls I keep getting. You don’t realize the impact that you have on people.”
Carter continued, “You forget that you were in their homes. I’ve been in their homes for 43 years, with probably more on-air hours than any human on the planet. It’s a lot.”
When asked why now was the right time to retire, Carter joked that she still doesn’t even know.
At the same time, she’s looking forward to fewer emails and less prep work and a lot more time soaking up the little things in life.
“I have a new puppy. I want to travel. I’m looking forward to traveling a lot, and I have all the kids and grandkids,” she said. “I’m a big family person, so spending time with them now, being able to be there for all the birthdays and all the holidays and everything, that’s really what I’m looking forward to.”
Before Carter signs off one last time, she hopes HSN viewers stick with the shopping network that has been a huge part of her life for more than four decades.
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When she looks at the current group of hosts, Carter can’t help but praise the talent as they explore broadcasting and other platforms like streaming and social media.
“I feel every single viewer out there, you are in such great hands,” she said. “The entertainment is going to continue. The great values are going to continue. You’re in great hands with even more exciting things coming.”
Watch Bobbi’s Big Send-Off on HSN Sunday, March 22, at 5 p.m. ET.
