WASHINGTON - Justice David Souter is telling President Barack Obama he plans to retire from the Supreme Court this summer. Souter informed Obama of his plans in a brief letter Friday. Obama praised Souter and thanked him for his service.

The 69-year-old justice is leaving after nearly two decades in Washington. His retirement gives Obama his first pick for the Supreme Court.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A presidential spokesman says the White House has received no formal word from Supreme Court Justice David Souter that he plans to retire.

Press secretary Robert Gibbs declined to talk about the widely reported news that Souter plans to step down in June. He said Friday that the White House has received no notification of retirement from any justices.

Gibbs said the White House has been preparing for the possibility of an opening on the court. But when asked if President Barack Obama has a short list of candidates, Gibbs said he was not willing to talk about short, medium or long lists.

When asked about the importance of diversity on the court, Gibbs said the most important thing to Obama is diversity of experience.