Sherri Shepherd is more upbeat than you'd think amid the View drama. The soon-to-be former co-host enthusiastically talked about her future to Us Weekly while attending Wendy Williams' 50th birthday bash in NYC on Thursday, July 17.
"Excitement is going through my mind because the sky is the limit with possibilities. You can't grow without change," the 47-year-old told Us at OUT Hotel. "You will stay the same and it will not be good. I'm all about running towards things that you fear. I'm so grateful that Barbara Walters gave me the opportunity for seven years and they've prepared me for whatever comes."
The Everybody Loves Raymond alum, along with Jenny McCarthy, announced her departure from the ABC daytime talk show late last month. Shepherd cried speaking of her exit during its July 7 episode, but seems to be in better spirits now. "I'm very, very excited. My last day is August 7th and I'm giddy," she added. "I've gotten Barbara Walters' blessing and I am so joyful. It is time to leave and time to fly and you can't grow without change so I am not supposed to be at The View next year. I am just happy."
McCarthy, too, has begun thinking of her future. The former Playboy model, 41, announced earlier this week that she will now be hosting a weekly, one-hour show on Sirium XM titled Dirty, Sexy, Funny with Jenny McCarthy. She'll also be keeping busy planning her wedding with fiance Donnie Wahlberg—which Shepherd is invited to.
"Yes, I'm going to be there! I'm so excited. I'm picking out a dress," Shepherd told Us. "I'm gonna be there for the entire festivities. Donnie's got like nine damn brothers and I'm single so there's gotta be a Wahlberg in there [for me]." (As previously reported, Shepherd filed for divorce from husband Lamar Sally last month.)