Hoda Kotb Gets Standing Ovation from “Today” Show Crew After Announcing Her Exit

Kotb was celebrated by her co-hosts and the NBC morning show's crew after she made the emotional announcement of her exit on Thursday, Sept. 26

The love is pouring in from all sides for Hoda Kotb following her announcement that she's leaving the Today show after 17 years.

Kotb, 60, shared the news first in a letter to the NBC morning show and then, addressed viewers as she sat on a couch surrounded by her colleagues Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones.

After announcing her departure while teary-eyed, the entire crew for the morning show gave Kotb a standing ovation, as was seen in a behind-the-scenes video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Related: Savannah Guthrie Cries Off Fake Eyelashes as Hoda Kotb Announces Today Departure: 'You Are Our Sunshine'

In the video, Guthrie, Jones and Bush Hager clapped for their co-host, who was embracing another coworker while the camera crew and other members of the Today show team applauded.

"We love you so very much, Hoda! 🧡," the show wrote alongside the video.

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Before receiving the standing ovation, Kotb reflected on turning 60 earlier this year and how the milestone birthday led her to decide to "turn a page" and "try something new."

"I had my kiddos later in life and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have. 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 said through tears.

"I'm gonna be here through the first of the year — past the first of the year — and I'm gonna stay in the NBC family, but it's kind of a big deal for me."

Related: Why Savannah Guthrie Visited Hoda Kotb's New Home in the Suburbs, but Left After 30 Minutes

Guthrie, 52, then jumped in and paid tribute to her co-host and friend. "Honestly, I don't think any of us can imagine — we won't wanna imagine this place without you," Guthrie said. "So it's complicated because we love you so much and we don't want you to ever go. But also, I just want to say, I am so proud of my friend. You have guts. For someone to leave at the top of their game, to leave something that's wonderful, that you love, where it's easy and comfortable and beautiful and fun and say, 'But I dream even bigger for myself.'"

Guthrie continued, "You have so much guts. You inspire me, I love you."

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Bush Hager, who co-hosts Today's 3rd hour, Today with Hoda & Jenna, with Kotb, then made everyone laugh as she said, "It's not over. I'm gonna be showing up at your house, like the stalker you are to Zac Brown. I'm gonna be there on your doorstep. And we are your friends forever."

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