Hoda Kotb Says an Emotional Goodbye to Today

Hoda Kotb said farewell to Today on Friday morning after a 17-year plus stint as part of NBC News’ flagship morning franchise.

It was a two part farewell for Kotb, who first bid goodbye to her main Today family during the early portion of the morning broadcast. Her farewell continued during Today with Hoda and Jenna at 10 a.m. 

A “Hoda-bration” was held during the 8 a.m. hour featuring messages from Kotb’s NBC News colleagues, including Savanna Guthrie, Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Keith Morrison, and Carson Daly. There were also some surprise appearances from famous faces like Jamie Lee Curtis, Simon Biles, Maria Shriver, Kermit the Frog, and Oprah Winfrey.

Standing outside on the Today plaza, Hoda thanked her colleagues and all the fans who showed up to wish her goodbye. “Can I say thank you to every person who came out here?” she said, adding: “I read your cards. I got your bracelets. I got the scarves you crotched. I got everything. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The second part of the “Hoda-bration” took place during Today’s fourth hour, alongside Jenna Bush Hager, who wrote an emotional letter to her departing co-host.

Kotb was feted with even more surprise messages and appearances during this hour. Her mom, Sametha Kotb, offered a special tribute, saying: “Hodie, I’m proud of you. I’m sure you’ll be doing great work later on, and I love you so much.”

Meanwhile, Kotb’s morning show timeslot competitor, CBS Mornings’ Gayle King, made an in-person appearance, as did Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon, and former fourth hour co-host Kathie Lee Gifford. Country music star Walker Hayes dropped by for in-studio performance, serenading Kotb and Bush Hager with their song, “Wednesdays.”

In the middle of all that, Kotb still found time to read a goodbye letter to viewers where she elaborated on her professional and personal journey.

“Along and along the way, you invited me into your lives, your triumphs, your special moments, and your celebrations,” Kotb told viewers. “Having a front row seat to all of this truly helped shape who I am. Thank you so much for letting me be part of your journey.”