Bernadine Oliver-Kerby is taking an extended period of sick leave from AM to focus on her health.
The AM newsreader has been absent from the show recently.
On Thursday, Oliver-Kerby's co-hosts revealed she was experiencing facial paralysis on one side of her face due to Bell's palsy.
"Bernadine can't wait to reunite with the team; with us and with you at home," host Ryan Bridge began. "The rest of her recovery [is] now her main priority.
"She also wants to say a big 'thank you', this morning, to the team at Auckland Hospital who took such great care of her."
Bridge went on to give a touching message to his fellow co-host.
"We love you, you know we do - you're an incredible presence on this programme and we love your wit, we love your humour - we miss you and just look forward to seeing you back as soon as you can."
Watch the video.
