Walter Cronkite, who was forced to retire as anchor of the CBS Evening News when he reached the age of 65 in 1981, is being retired as the introductory voice of the CBS program -- nearly six months after his death. Cronkite recorded the introduction that has been played at the beginning of the nightly newscast since Katie Couric became its anchor in 2006 -- even after his death last July 17. "As comforting as it is to look back on the great career that Walter had, we're looking forward now and we just felt it was the right time to make the move that at some point had to be made," said CBS News President Sean McManus told the Associated Press. Cronkite's introduction was replaced on Monday by one recorded by actor Morgan Freeman, who will also be able to record intros for special reports and introduce temporary anchors when Couric is away.