This is really not the way Helen Thomas deserves to go out, mired in a half-ass scandal. Nevertheless, it is how she is going out. Hearst just announced that the 89 year-old White House correspondent is retiring. Memo below.

HELEN THOMAS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2010 – Helen Thomas announced Monday that she is retiring, effective immediately.

Her decision came after her controversial comments about Israel and the Palestinians were captured on videotape and widely disseminated on the Internet.

Thomas later issued a statement: ``I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon.''

Thomas will mark her 90th birthday on Aug. 4.