Hoda Kotb Exits NBC’s ‘Today’ Show With Teary Goodbye, Thankful for “Ride of a Lifetime”

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On her final day, Hoda Kotb bid farewell with tears at the Today show, the NBC morning news program.

Hey there, I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude. It’s not easy for me to find the right words most times, but I really appreciate what you all do here every day. This morning was no exception as we dived into the news at 7 a.m., with Guthrie delivering a solemn update on the wildfires in Los Angeles and the ongoing New York City crime case involving President-elect Trump. As always, your dedication to keeping us informed is truly appreciated.

Subsequently, the “Hoda-party” commenced as Hoda, alongside fellow anchors Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Carson Daly, and Craig Melvin seated on the Studio 1A couch at Rockefeller Center. Before this, a farewell video montage was displayed.

Guthrie pondered aloud, “If I don’t participate in this interview, will she still depart?” Later, he expressed affectionately, “Hoda, my dear. I adore you immensely. Just as I often remind you, whether we sit beside each other or not, whether we wake up together at 4 a.m. or not, I’ll always stand by your side. And you’ll always be there for me.

Weatherman Roker paid his own heartfelt tribute to the selfless individual who helped him during his health crisis in 2022. He explained, “She’s one of the most unselfish people I know. I was extremely ill and had no idea how badly I was suffering. I spent time in the hospital, and it seems Hoda was there almost every day… People began to think she might actually be a doctor.”

As the video concluded, an emotional Kotb and a tearful Guthrie honored their on-air colleagues. “Savannah,” Kotb exclaimed, “Oh my goodness! You’re my person, my person. Who’s there for everyone? This girl. When your brother passed away, this girl. During my struggles with Hope, it was this girl. She’s always present. She’s always in the room. And I adore you.

As a gamer, let me share a heartfelt moment with Roker: “You’ve been my first buddy in this place, the one I initially encountered. When I found myself unwell, you were the very first face that walked into my room and reassured me that I would be alright.

Kotb expressed her well-wishes to Melvin, who will take over as co-anchor alongside Guthrie starting Monday. “I’m thrilled for you! You deserve this, and it’s rightfully yours,” she said, followed by, “And let me tell you, on Monday at 7 a.m., I’ll still be sound asleep.” This comment made Melvin and others in the couch area laugh.

Guthrie, who utilized the tissue box frequently throughout the morning, took a moment during one of many thank-you chances to say on air: “When we contemplated how to honor you, Hoda, and the impact you’ve had on us all, it was simply a single word — love… You are embodiment of love. And we adore you. That’s what you represent. We’re constantly inspired by you each day.

Oprah Winfrey, another admirer filled with inspiration, shared her thoughts via video: “Hoda, Hoda, Hoda. I understand what it’s like to make tough decisions. Let me assure you that yes, you have made the right choice, though it wasn’t easy. I know Haley and Hope will greatly benefit from this decision. Whatever path you choose in your next phase, your upcoming adventure, it will undoubtedly be the best for you and your family.

In September 2024, Kotb initially announced her decision to leave after 17 years with the NBC morning news franchise, which she had been part of for so long. She expressed her desire to devote more time to her two children, Hope and Haley, who were present on her last day as a co-anchor on Today, during the 9 a.m. hour. “I had my kids later in life,” she stated at that time, “and I was thinking that they deserve a larger slice of the time pie that I have.

Towards the end of the show, co-host Jenna Bush Hager read a personal letter to Kotb during a tribute video: “Now, my dear one, you’re showing us the ultimate lesson – how to bid farewell with dignity. This isn’t just any Houdini… forgetting my purse in your car and driving off – instead, you’ve managed to find peace in the goodbye! Viewers have come from far and wide, from different states, to express their affection on poster boards. Each guest has had the opportunity to share their ‘Hoda story’, about how you’ve made them feel understood and valued,” Bush Hager wrote in her letter.

Furthermore, Kotb too had a heartfelt farewell message to share, which she presented during her personal video tribute.

It follows in full below:

This isn’t a farewell message; it’s a letter brimming with love, specifically for you. It’s also a note of gratitude, if you will. Let me figure out how to express that gratitude… How do I say thank you for all the extra hugs and affection more than one person should receive? Sixteen years ago, I sat beside Kathie Lee, and she transformed my life. She selected me. And honestly, at the time, I was terrified. I had never experienced anything like this before. I was a news reporter, covering hard stories, but then one day, she addressed me as Hoda woman. I discarded that newswoman’s attire. We arrived, poured ourselves some wine, and so our journey began.

As a gamer, I transitioned from being just Hoda to Hoda the mom when Haley was born. Holding her for the first time, you held me instead, offering unwavering support through cards, comments, and letters. Each one I read, and then came Hopi too. A new phase began with Jenna Bush Hager, six years filled with uncontainable laughter and a bond that feels like friendship at its purest. She’s just so hilarious, I can hardly say her name without cracking up! Yet, it’s not her humor that won me over. It was the tears she shed – the real, vulnerable moments that made me fall in love with her. Just as I tell her in my cards, she belongs to me and we belong to each other.

As we journeyed together, you graciously welcomed me into your world – sharing triumphs, special moments, and celebrations. Witnessing these experiences has significantly influenced my own identity. I am deeply grateful for allowing me to be a part of your life’s adventure. When I turned sixty, you threw an incredible party that left me feeling as if I had reached the highest peak. On this program, you have been by my side with every step I took.

This version maintains the original sentiment while using more natural and easy-to-read language to convey the same message.

As I find myself in these last moments, wrapping up this exciting phase of my life journey, I can’t help but express my deepest gratitude for the incredible rollercoaster ride we’ve shared. From the depths of my overflowing heart, thank you! You’ve been truly amazing.

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2025-01-10 20:25