Long time co-host of the “Today” show, Hota Kotb, officially signed off this morning during an emotional farewell.
Kotb, 60, announced she would be leaving “Today” back in September after 26 years with NBC.
This morning’s “Today” broadcast was an emotional one, capping off a week of special episodes dedicated to long time host.
Kotb and co-host Savannah Guthrie, 53, shared several emotional moments together during the program.
“Can I just say thank you? I haven’t been able to articulate it, because I’m a mess most times, but I just want to say thanks,” Kotb said through tears. Wearing her go-to bracelets, she also showed off one Guthrie gave her that reads “with you.”
On her final day, she gushed that she’s feeling “loved and held.”
“Hoda, I love you. I love you deeply,” Guthrie said to her longtime friend. “Like I always tell you: Whether you sit next to me or not, whether we get up at 4 am or not. I will always be by your side and you will aways be by mine.”
Al Roker chimed in: “She’s probably one of the most selfless people I know. I was gravely ill. I never had any idea how sick I was. I was in the hospital and Hoda was there if not every day then almost every day. It got the point where I think people actually thought she was a doctor.”
“That was not fair,” Kotb noted after watching the video, as she wiped away tears with a tissue.
During the broadcast, viewers were also seen holding up signs outside wishing Kotb good luck and noting they’d miss her.
Craig Melvin, who is taking over Kotb’s anchor chair following her exit, suggested that the window behind the “Today” desk should be named the “Hoda Window,” too.
According to the New York Post, at the time she announced that she was leaving “Today,” Kotb explained the decision was motivated by a desire to “try something new” after turning 60 and wanting to spend more time with her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5.
She’ll also kickstart her own wellness app and company, which will include trips and podcasts, and has signed a new deal with NBC to contribute exclusive interviews and cover the next two Olympics.