It’s the end of an era at NBC, as Hoda Kotb signs off on its final episode Today show.
In September, Hoda announced her plans to retire from the show after nearly 17 years Today Family.
In December, Hoda announced the date of her final episode, and this morning, she bid a tearful farewell to the crew, co-stars, and viewers who helped shape the last two decades of her life.
hoda says goodbye
“Can I just say thank you to everyone who came here?” Hoda said for the last time, ending the show’s 8 a.m. hour.
“I read your cards. I found your bracelets. I found the scarf you crocheted. I got everything. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Hoda expressed her gratitude and received tearful words of appreciation from her co-workers.
“She’s so special it’s almost impossible to describe,” Savannah Guthrie gushed. She praised her longtime co-star for always keeping her focused on the important things in life. “He’s all about what matters,” Savannah said.
Hoda will be replaced by Craig Melvin, who will now sit next to Savannah on the 7 and 8 a.m. hours of the show.
As for Hoda — well, she may no longer be a part of your weekday morning, but you haven’t seen the last of this TV icon.
What’s next for Hoda Kotb?
Speaking to Page Six about the next chapter of her career, Hoda revealed that she has signed a deal that will enable her to remain at NBC in a small role.
Kotb will continue to contribute exclusive interviews to TodayAnd she’ll attend the next two Olympics as a brand ambassador of sorts — a role similar to the one Snoop Dogg played in Paris last summer.
“I think it’ll be kind of a Snoop-ish role,” Hoda commented about her new gig.
“I want to be a supporting character on a team that’s already there so I can come in and just play a role there. And then I’m going to do my ‘Making Space’ podcast, which I enjoy and love a lot,” she added.
“and for Today Show, I think we talked about doing something every four to six weeks, just a little bit.’
Hoda also alluded to recurring appearances on Jenna Bush Hager’s segment TodayAnd she dismissed claims she was leaving the show due to a contract dispute.
“This job is amazing and I don’t do it because I get paid every other Thursday. That’s not why. Because then you’re only happy every other Thursday,” she explained.
“I do it because I love it. And I guess it was never about the money for me… I took jobs that I loved, and then, you know, I asked for whatever I wanted.”
For 17 years, the love between Hoda and her audience was always mutual. And we are sure they are already waiting for him Today Cameo.