Despite widespread speculation about her retirement this year, Joy Behar has defied expectations by signing a three-year deal with ABC, ensuring her presence on The View until 2025.

Rumors had swirled that Behar would bid farewell at the conclusion of the current season, slated to end in early August, just ahead of her 80th birthday in October. Even Behar herself hinted at such plans in a conversation with Ramin Setoodeh, author of “Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of ‘The View,’” back in 2020. She suggested that she might not renew her contract when it expired this year, citing the inevitability of time marching on.

“I don’t see myself staying for more. That’s it! I could be wrong. If I’m as fabulous in [2022] as I am now, I’ll think about,” she remarked then. “But the chances of that happening… You know, time marches on. I’m not a kid.”

However, in a surprising turn of events, a representative for Behar has dismissed rumors of her retirement as “fake news,” citing the recent contract extension.

While specific details of the deal remain undisclosed, it’s worth noting that Behar reportedly commanded a salary of $7 million per year under her previous three-year contract.

Currently, Behar holds a prominent role as one of four full-time co-hosts on The View, alongside moderator Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, and Sunny Hostin. Ana Navarro also steps in as a guest co-host on Fridays, with Behar assuming the moderator role, and as-needed during the week.

As The View continues its search for a conservative voice to fill the vacancy left by Meghan McCain last summer, several contenders have emerged, including Alyssa Farah Griffin and Lindsey Granger, both of whom have engaged in spirited exchanges with Behar in recent weeks.