The United States government's third-highest ranking diplomat, Thomas A Shannon Jr, on Thursday announced his resignation, the latest to exit since President Donald Trump took office a year ago.
"My decision is personal, and driven by a desire to attend to my family, take stock of my life, and set a new direction for my remaining years," said Shannon in a statement.
Shannon will, however, continue to serve until his successor is confirmed by the Senate.
The timing of Shannon's announcement was driven by his promise to stay through Rex W Tillerson's first year, an anniversary that arrived Thursday, said Steve Goldstein, the department's under secretary for public affairs, reported The New York Times.
Goldstein added: "The secretary is as regretful as everyone else but we respect the decision he has made,"
Shannon has served the state department for 35 years.
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