After TODAY co-anchor Hoda Kotb announced on-air she will be leaving TODAY in early 2025, the TODAY crew gave her a standing ovation.
As the show went to commercial break, the TODAY team of producers, camerapeople and more stood up to honor and hug Hoda.
TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones and more also joined in to applaud Hoda’s 26-year career at NBC News.
Hoda announced she would be leaving TODAY surrounded by her co-hosts as many of them teared up alongside her.
“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” she said. “I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the top of the wave feels like for me.’ And I thought it can’t get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.”
Hoda shared she made the decision following her 60th birthday celebration on the TODAY Plaza and said she wanted to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5.
“Obviously I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have,” Hoda said. “I feel like we only have a finite amount of time.
“And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world,” she added.
TODAY family shares tributes to Hoda, ‘the friend we all want and need’
While Jenna sat next to Hoda while she made her announcement Thursday morning, she also reacted to her co-host’s news during TODAY with Hoda & Jenna Sept. 26.
“Hoda told me just a couple days ago, and when she told me, my first reaction it was, from my gut, it was almost crazy,” Jenna said on air. “I said ‘No, you can’t leave because what we have here with all of these people.’ What I get to sit next to you and feel is this, it’s what’s between us, and it is magical and powerful, and it feels like that here.”
TODAY co-host Dylan Dreyer was out of the studio when Hoda made her announcement, and she reacted to the news in an Instagram post.
“This is my favorite picture of @hodakotb,” Dylan wrote in the caption. “Ollie was having a meltdown, no one could soothe him, Hoda picks him up, wraps her arm around him, and he wrapped his right around her too. She comforts, she loves, she cares…it’s why we all love her.”
“Way beyond her talent as an anchor, she’s the friend we all want and need,” Dylan continued. “I love you Hoda and I applaud you for trusting your gut and making this next step in your life. You do everything with enthusiasm and I can’t wait to watch you soar!”
Al’s wife Deborah Roberts reacted to the news in a post on X.
“Wow. @hodakotb just announced that she’s stepping away from The Today Show after the first of the new year to pursue other goals and cherish motherhood,” Roberts wrote. “What a bold and thoughtful move for a woman to prioritize herself!”
And while Hoda may be leaving TODAY, Carson Daly was quick to cheekily offer her a spot on “The Voice.”
“I know you love music, do you like giant red chairs?” he asked in the comments section of a TODAY Instagram post announcing her departure.
NBC News correspondent Vicky Nguyen also left a comment.
“At a loss for words but totally amazed at what Hoda has done, how she has always used her voice to uplift others, and don’t be sad- she will continue to be part of NBC moving forward even as she transitions to other incredible work in her life,” Nguyen said, adding three red heart emoji.
TODAY contributor Ally Love also shared her reaction in the comments.
“I love you so much! And I’m sad to see you leave but no matter where you are, you bring JOY and inspiration. I’m grateful for you friend + Sister,” she wrote, adding a slew of hand heart emoji.
NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff posted a clip of Hoda’s announcement to his Instagram story, adding the caption: “@hodakotb is an absolute legend and the best of the best. maximum respect to a great person.”
Soboroff said more about Hoda in a post on X.
“we’d all be lucky to be a little more like @hodakotb. authentic, kind, caring. the same on camera and off. the sporadic time we’ve shared on that couch has also doubled as extraordinary learning experiences as a broadcaster and person for me. thrilled for and grateful to her,” he said, adding a red heart emoji.
Celebrities show support
Celebrities that Hoda has interviewed over the years also left sweet messages for the TODAY co-anchor.
Ina Garten said she’s sending Hoda “all the love in the world.”
“Sending you all the love in the world, which is what you gave to everyone on the show,” Garten commented. “It’s going to be a hard transition but you’ll find something exciting that will give you even more joy. Love you @hodakotb.”
Mandy Moore wrote, “We love you so much, @hodakotb! Congrats on all of it…can’t wait to see what you tackle next!!”
