Hoda Kotb bid a heartfelt goodbye as co-anchor of the Today show on January 10, ending a 26-year tenure with NBC News. The farewell episode was filled with tributes, surprises, and emotional moments, celebrating her legacy as a beloved broadcaster and inspirational figure.
A Week-Long Celebration
Dubbed a “Hoda-bration,” NBC dedicated the week leading up to her departure to honoring Kotb. The festivities included video montages, messages from colleagues, celebrity tributes, and live performances. Co-anchor Savannah Guthrie described the day as “everything everyone adores about Hoda,” filled with surprises and joy.
Kotb kicked off her final show hand-in-hand with Guthrie, declaring, “One last time. Let’s do this.” Sporting a white pantsuit, she radiated gratitude and excitement.
Heartfelt Tributes
Each member of the Today team shared personal reflections on Kotb’s kindness and professionalism:
- Savannah Guthrie gifted her a bracelet inscribed with “With you” and a ring that says “Love,” calling Kotb “like a sister.”
- Al Roker recalled Kotb’s unwavering support during his 2022 health scare, noting her daily hospital visits.
- Craig Melvin, Kotb’s successor, praised her unique interview style and encouragement.
- Carson Daly highlighted her infectious energy, dedicating Coldplay’s “All My Love” to her.
NBC correspondent Maria Shriver, a longtime friend, discussed Kotb’s next chapter: launching a wellness-focused business. Shriver said, “You’re made for this… You’re going to help people come alive.”
A Legacy of Joy and Inspiration
Kotb’s tenure on Today began in 2007 as a correspondent, later transitioning to co-host in 2008 alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. Known for her positivity and compassion, Kotb introduced the “morning boost” segment, which became a hallmark of the show’s uplifting tone. Jenna Bush Hager will carry on this tradition, receiving a symbolic metallic baton from Kotb.
Fans gathered outside NBC Studios to celebrate Kotb, braving the cold with posters and messages of appreciation. Celebrity tributes poured in from Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Simone Biles, and others. Curtis gifted an orb inscribed with “Every today with you is a better day.”
Family First
Kotb’s decision to leave the show was motivated by her desire to spend more time with her daughters, Haley and Hope. The young girls joined her on set, singing along as Kermit the Frog performed “Rainbow Connection,” a song Kotb often sings to them. Surrounded by family, Kotb expressed excitement about walking her daughters to school on Monday mornings.
Farewell Messages
As the farewell show concluded, Kotb read a love letter to her viewers, thanking them for their support and recalling memorable moments, including introducing her daughters after their adoptions. She also expressed gratitude to the Today team for their unwavering support.
“As I sit here today, in my final moments on this final day, in this chapter of my career, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my very full heart for the ride of a lifetime,” she said.
The show ended with her daughters by her side, as she thanked the production team and signed off one last time.
