Hoda Kotb’s last day as co-anchor of the Today show was filled with raw emotion, laughter, and heartfelt moments.
From the very start of the broadcast, the atmosphere in Studio 1A was charged with nostalgia and love.
Her co-host, Savannah Grieve, couldn’t hold back her tears as she kicked off the program with a bittersweet acknowledgment of the day’s significance.
“Good morning, everybody.
It’s great to have you with us on this Friday morning,” Savannah began.
“And I’m already tearing up. Our floor director just said, ‘One last time; five, four, three, two, one.’”
A Final Moment of Unity
Clutching Savannah’s hand, Hoda, with her signature warmth, responded, “One last time.
Let’s do this.”
The pair shared a moment of mutual support as Savannah promised, “We’re going to celebrate you today.”
Hoda, always appreciative of her fans, took a moment to thank the crowds gathered outside Rockefeller Plaza.
“Thank you to everyone who came out so early this morning,” she said, visibly moved by the sea of signs and smiling faces.
Sweet Tributes from Behind the Scenes
Before the broadcast, Hoda shared glimpses of the love and support she received from her colleagues.
A handwritten note from her production assistants read, “Hoda! We’ll miss prepping your packets.
Thank you for everything! Enjoy retirement.”
Hoda posted the note on Instagram with a simple caption, “I’ll miss u too xo.”
She also shared a touching image of a Winnie the Pooh quote: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” paired with a cartoon of Winnie and Piglet.
The post struck an emotional chord with many, including her co-stars, one of whom commented, “Already crying at the Pooh cartoon!”
A Life-Changing Decision
Hoda’s announcement in September that she would be leaving the Today show marked a major turning point in her life.
Reflecting on her decision, Hoda shared that turning 60 had been a catalyst for reassessing her priorities.
“I realized it was time to turn the page at 60 and try something new,” she said on air.
“Standing outside with those beautiful people holding gorgeous signs, I thought, ‘This is what the top of the wave feels like.’ And I knew it was the right time to move on.”
Family First
A driving force behind her choice was her desire to spend more time with her two young daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 5.
“I had my kiddos later in life, and they deserve a bigger piece of my time,” Hoda explained.
“We only have so much time, and I want to give them as much of it as I can.”
She admitted that stepping away from her role was no easy decision.
“This is the hardest thing in the world,” she confessed, underscoring just how much the Today show and its audience have meant to her.
Passing the Torch
In November, NBC announced that Craig Melvin, a longtime member of the Today family, would step into Hoda’s role.
As Hoda closes this chapter, her legacy as a trailblazing journalist and beloved co-anchor remains a source of inspiration for many.
Her final episode was a testament to her impact—not just as a professional but as a warm, relatable presence in the lives of millions.
While this goodbye marks the end of an era, Hoda’s next adventure is just beginning.
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