After 17 years on the NBC morning show and 26 years at NBC, Hoda Kotb announced her departure, triggering a wave of emotions from her colleagues and viewers alike.
- September 27, 2024
AceShowbiz - Hoda Kotb's decision to leave the "Today" show after 17 years has left her co-hosts and crew in tears and led to a heartfelt celebration to honor the soon-to-be alum. The emotional announcement was met with shock and admiration.
Savannah Guthrie, Kotb's co-anchor since 2018, was visibly overcome with emotion during the announcement, leading to a lighthearted moment on live television when one of her false eyelashes came loose. "Here's my lash," Guthrie told Kotb, who handed it over to the camera for a close-up.
In a moving tribute to Kotb, Guthrie praised her courage and inspiration. "Hoda, we love you so much," Guthrie said. "You have guts. To leave at the top of your game, to dream even bigger for yourself, that's amazing."
Al Roker, a longtime "Today" show weatherman, echoed Guthrie's sentiments, expressing his joy for Kotb while acknowledging the sadness of her departure. "In a family, people move on, but what it means for that person is what's truly important," Roker said. "And we couldn't be happier for her."
Other Today show co-hosts, including Craig Melvin and Jenna Bush Hager, expressed their love and support for Kotb. Melvin noted that her decision was "sad news for us, but great news for her." Hager joked about her relentless friendship, promising to "show up at your house like a stalker."
After the announcement, Kotb received a standing ovation from her colleagues and the entire "Today" show crew. In a video shared on social media, Kotb was embraced by her co-workers as the crew applauded.
Kotb explained that her decision to leave was driven by her desire to spend more time with her family, particularly her two daughters, Haley and Hope. She also expressed her gratitude to her NBC family and viewers for their unwavering support throughout her 26-year tenure at the network.
