Yahoo Lifestyle How the 'Today' Show Cast Really Feels About Hoda Kotb's Exit
In a shocking turn of events, one of our favorite daytime TV hosts will soon be exiting the building.
Hoda Kotb surprised viewers on September 26 by announcing her plans to leave the Today show in early 2025. Her tenure on the show spanned 17 years on the air, with almost thirty years of working at NBC in some capacity. At the time of her announcement, she explained that there were many reasons behind her surprise exit.
"I realized it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new," she said in a video posted on Instagram. "I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on... With all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world."
It was clear Hoda's fellow Today hosts had feelings about her leaving their daytime TV crew. Although there is definitely more to come, here are just a few of the many reactions the Today cast had in regards to one of their co-workers leaving after such a long tenure.
Jenna Bush Hager
Shortly after the news broke, Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda emotionally sat down for their fourth hour Today With Hoda and Jenna segment. As they both were in tears, Jenna expressed her gratitude while reflecting on one of their first times together on the show.
"You're who I come to when I'm feeling joyful, when I'm feeling unsure," she tearfully stated in a clip posted to Instagram. "You are who I come to, and you believed in me first. We have a lot of bosses, and I love them. But this lady on October 28, 2013 — I looked it up — said, 'Hey, wanna come sit next to me? There's room.'"
"Looking at you and seeing magic was one of the easiest things I've ever seen in my life," Hoda replied with equal emotion.
Savannah Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie also reflected on her friendship with Hoda, sharing how special it is to be by each other's sides for so many years on TV.
"Oh, Hoda. All the tears for you," she wrote on Instagram. "For love and joy and above all, gratitude for this beautiful soul, who has light, warmth, goodness and faith - in abundance. I love you with all my heart, dearest Hoda. We will always be by each other’s side. ❤️ "
Savannah also had an extremely relatable reaction to the news on the Today show, where folks watched her eat as she processed her feelings.
"We love [Hoda] so much," she said in an Instagram clip. "And as you said, Sheinelle [Jones], we can hold our sorrow at missing her and loving her so much, with our gratitude that it happened."
Al Roker
After Hoda revealed the news to her colleagues, she and Al Roker shared a touching sentiment about being there for each other through some of their toughest moments.
"I have never known anyone like you," Al said on the air. "I've known you forever."
"I remember when I got sick," Hoda replied. "I remember the first person who walked into my hospital room was you."
"And I never left!" Al joked back.
Craig Melvin
"Hoda Kotb is 1 of 1," Craig Melvin wrote in a sentimental post on Instagram after Hoda's announcement aired on TV. "She’s a beautiful soul who only radiates light. Like you, I was stunned to hear she’s decided to turn the page but I guarantee her next chapter is going to make for an even more awesome story. I love you, my friend. Sad news for the Today family. Fantastic news for Hope and Haley. ❤️."
Sheinelle Jones
As she sat on the couch watching Hoda drop the news of her exit, Sheinelle Jones had emotional feelings about her co-worker.
"The one thing that people know for sure about this group is we are family," she stated. "And I’m telling you, Hoda has a relationship with every single person on this couch in her own way, so I think we’re all just kind of wrestling with it inside. But we also know what a dynamic mom you are, and presence you are. And your whole movement with wellness. You are going to change the world. And we know it."
Dylan Dreyer
As a way to honor her friendship with Hoda, Dylan Dreyer shared one of her favorite moments involving her son, Ollie.
"This is my favorite picture of @hodakotb," she wrote on Instagram. "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. 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!"
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