It's official: beleaguered CBS Early Show producer Shelley Ross has parted ways with the third-ranked morning program. A memo from CBS News president Sean McManus just came down:

This is to let you know that Shelley Ross, Senior Executive Producer, THE EARLY SHOW, is leaving CBS News.

Rick Kaplan, executive producer of the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC, will oversee THE EARLY SHOW on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is named. He will remain executive producer of the EVENING NEWS. As you know, Rick has built an exceptionally strong senior team there, and the broadcast will be in very capable hands until he returns full-time to the EVENING NEWS.

I know I can count on all of you to support Rick in his expanded efforts.