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Rose Parade 2016: Stephanie Edwards, Bob Eubanks hosting one last time
Stephanie Edwards and Bob Eubanks began hosting the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1982 and will host their final parade on New Year's Day 2016.
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screengrab from KTLA
)
It’s the end of an era. After decades hosting the Tournament of Roses Parade broadcast, Stephanie Edwards and Bob Eubanks will host their last flower-filled affair this upcoming New Year’s Day in Pasadena.
The 2016 parade, themed “Find Your Adventure,” will be Eubanks’ 38th year as host. The pair began hosting together in 1982 and will appear at various pre-parade activities before their final gig on Jan. 1.
https://twitter.com/KTLAMorningNews/status/647446719215607808
Making the announcement on KTLA Friday morning, Edwards and Eubanks say they each came to the decision on their own.
“We want to leave under our terms, we want to leave when we’re on top … and it’s just time,” Eubanks said on KTLA.
The host also said he wanted to take holiday vacations with his 12-year-old son.
“I’m tired of the sound of my own voice,” Edwards said, adding, “We hope our loving audience knows we were not asked to leave this time,” seeming to reference occasions in years past when she was demoted.
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You can see a clip of them in their first Rose Parade broadcast in 1982 below.
In 2006, former KTLA morning show anchor Michaela Pereira took a co-hosting seat with Eubanks in the booth, while Edwards was relegated to covering the parade outside in the rain.
“Viewers objected and she rejoined the team after some uncomfortable moments for KTLA management and for Eubanks,” L.A. Observed reported.
There has been no word on who will replace the hosts. (Tell us in the comments who you think should take over Rose Parade duties.)
So in honor of the two long-running hosts of the grand, blooming New Year’s tradition, here are some highlights from Eubanks’ and Edwards’ Rose Parade career.
A short commercial for the 1986 Rose Parade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4eLQsibRgw
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Stephanie jokingly shares her secret of how to stay youthful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KGRC9070nU
Stephanie and Bob make a “date” for the 2011 Rose Parade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o01do4cQos
Edwards reflects on her experience watching and hosting the Rose Parade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es3TYjrdQtE
Eubanks talks about hosting the Rose Parade:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjCu56uadHU
What memories do you have of Stephanie Edwards and Bob Eubanks as Rose Parade hosts? Who do you think should take over as hosts? Let us know in the comments.
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