NBC
Hoda Kotb is saying goodbye to the “Today” show.
Hoda just shared a letter with the “Today” team, saying she will be stepping down from her co-hosting job after 5 years alongside Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager. Kotb took on the role of Matt Lauer in 2017 after being fired over sexual assault allegations.
She explained her difficult decision on air Thursday — and cried as she gave her reasons.
Hoda says she’ll remain at the network, but working in a different role…though she didn’t give any further details.
She wrote that she believes she is making the right decision and that it is painful because she loves the show but knows she has to leave it.
Hoda said she has been at NBC for 26 years, which has been the “longest professional love affair” of her life, noting that she worked for 10 years at “Dateline” — the network’s long-running TV newsmagazine.
She also reflected on her “Today” show colleagues, thanking them for encouraging and inspiring her, and valuing their friendships.
Hoda highlighted her relationships with Savannah, whom she called her “rock,” and Jenna, whom she referred to as “my forever life.”
She went on to mention other famous “Today” contributors, such as Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Carson Daly. She nicknamed Al her oldest friend at 30 Rockefeller Center, which is the headquarters of NBC.
Hoda ended with… “I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY so much.”