CBS News' treasured journalist and "Face the Nation" anchor Bob Schieffer is hanging up his hat in the news biz.

On Wednesday, the 78-year-old journalist announced that he will retire this summer after more than 50 years of working in journalism.

It's been quite a run for Schieffer, who has worked for CBS News for 46 years and has remained relevant throughout the fast-paced news world where social media, personal branding and a desire for fame has often overshadowed the mission of delivering the news. In this ever-changing media landscape, the celebrated veteran journalist has been a no-frills, straight-shooter, reporting the news with respect, class and a wealth of experience.

2015 marked Schieffer's 24th year as anchor of "Face the Nation," which also reached a milestone and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2014.

While at the annual Schieffer Symposium at Texas Christian University, his alma mater, Schieffer shared the news of his retirement and shared his gratitude.

"Because that was where it all started for me, I wanted this to be the place, and I wanted you all to be the first to know that this summer I'm going to retire," he said, CBS News reported. "It's been a great adventure. You know, I'm one of the luckiest people in the world because as a little boy, as a young reporter, I always wanted to be a journalist, and I got to do that. And not many people get to do that, and I couldn't have asked for a better life or something that was more fun and more fulfilling."

According to CBS News, "[Schieffer] has interviewed every president since Richard Nixon as well as most of those who sought the office." He has interviewed President Obama three times on "Face the Nation." He also moderated three debates for the Presidential Commission on Debates in 2004, 2008 and 2012.

Schieffer, who was named a living legend by the Library of Congress in 2008, has won "virtually every award in broadcast journalism, including eight Emmys" as well as the coveted Edward R. Murrow Award and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence.

"In 2013, he was inducted into the National Academy of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame along with CBS Chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves, actor Ron Howard, sportscaster Al Michaels and writer/producer Dick Wolf."

"Bob Schieffer represents the very best of CBS. Such an amazing career, a great journalist and a wonderful man," tweeted "60 Minutes" Executive Producer Jeff Fager.

While Schieffer has been in the "ring" taking on political contenders, interviewing presidents and world leaders, there's another side to the Austin, Texas native. He began moonlighting late in life as a country singer and has performed at the legendary Grand Old Opry with his band Honky Tonk Confidential with whom he released an album, "Road Kill Stew and Other News" back in 2007.

With a singing style best described as "Johnny-Cash-meets-Rex-Harrison" by the New York Times, Schieffer is also a songwriter whose written several songs, including one called "TV Anchorman."

This writer, who also had the privilege of meeting another CBS News legend, Walter Cronkite, was also delighted to see Schieffer let loose and perform at a CBS Christmas party several years ago where he wore a snazzy, sequined red shirt (see pic above).

Although it will take some getting used to not hearing Schieffer's voice on "Face the Nation" on Sunday mornings, hopefully his music fans will still get a chance to hear him belt out some country and western tunes! We all tip our hats to Bob!