A Heartfelt Goodbye

Hoda Kotb’s final appearance on the beloved "Today" show became an unforgettable celebration of love, respect, and heartfelt goodbyes as her colleagues and fans showered her with gratitude on what her co-anchors dubbed “It’s a Hoda-bration!”

After an impressive 17-year run, Kotb announced in September 2024 that she would be stepping down from her anchor position to dedicate more time to her two daughters. While she will transition to other opportunities within NBC News, her departure marks the end of an era that has captivated audiences and made her a household name.

An Emotional Tribute

The emotional day began with a poignant montage of Kotb's most memorable moments, leaving her and co-anchor Savannah Guthrie visibly moved. “One last time, let’s do this,” Kotb said, holding Guthrie’s hand tightly as they faced the camera. Outside, throngs of fans waved banners such as “Thank you, Hoda! We’ll miss you!” and “Blessed by Hoda!” showcasing the deep connection she forged with her audience.

Tributes flowed in, highlighting Kotb's impact not just on the show, but on the lives she touched. Fellow NBC News stars, including Keith Morrison and Maria Shriver, shared heartfelt messages praising her dedication and compassion, while Craig Melvin proposed renaming the iconic “Today” window to the “Hoda Window” in honor of her loyalty to her fans who gathered for morning broadcasts.

A Day Filled with Love

Al Roker, who shared a long friendship with Kotb, thanked her for leading with her heart, recounting how she supported him through difficult times, stating, “She is one of the most selfless people I know.” An emotional Guthrie addressed Kotb saying, “Whether you sit next to me or not… I will always be by your side.”

As if the atmosphere wasn’t emotional enough, celebrity send-offs came in droves, including wise words from Oprah Winfrey. “You have made the right move, even though it was hard to do. Your children are going to benefit so much from this decision,” Winfrey conveyed, reinforcing the importance of family.

Surprises and Celebration

The surprises kept coming as Guthrie escorted Kotb into the studio, revealing the supportive ‘Today’ crew lining the hallways, all cheering for her. Olympic star Simone Biles also made an appearance, adding, "Hoda has given us such a platform to be open and raw,” in tribute to the safe space Kotb created for every guest.

In a touching segment during the 10 a.m. hour, Kotb read a heartfelt letter expressing her gratitude, stating: “Thank you from the bottom of my very full heart for the ride of a lifetime.” As the day progressed, country music artist Walker Hayes surprised her by performing a song they co-wrote, embracing the beauty of “ordinary days” — perfectly encapsulating the essence of life that Kotb often championed.

Closing Moments and Legacy

Finally, as Hoda prepared to sign off for the last time, she introduced the "Today" crew to the audience, calling executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones “the best hire NBC ever made.” In a tearful moment of reflection, she brought her daughters on stage, hugging them tightly, symbolizing her transition into the next phase of her life.

Kotb joined NBC News in 1998, making history as the first host of the fourth hour of "Today" and solidifying her legacy as co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie after Matt Lauer’s exit in 2018. Her infectious energy and genuine spirit transformed the show into a morning staple cherished by millions.

A New Chapter Begins

Though the celebration was tinged with the backdrop of significant news events occurring around the country, it was a day filled with positive memories and a hopeful outlook for Kotb's next chapter. While her departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the "Today" show’s history, Hoda Kotb's legacy of love and laughter will undoubtedly continue to resonate with both fans and colleagues alike.