Hoda Kotb say goodbye to Today have a fun and heartwarming week full of festivities.
The stars of the NBC morning show kicked off Kotba's “Hoda-bration” on Monday, Jan. 6, to celebrate her final week of episodes. “We will celebrate you, which will be easy. It will be very easy,” Jen Bush Hager said further Today with Hoda and Jenna before joking that she couldn't even “hold my emotions for a minute”.
Kotb announced in September 2024 that she is leaving Today after nearly 30 years at NBC in reference to her 60th birthday and mother's role for daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, as the main reasons for her decision.
“My kids were late and I think they deserve more of my time, the pie that I have. I feel like we only have a limited amount of time,” she explained on air at the time. “And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.”
Kotb's week-long “Hoda-brácia” will end with a special episode Hoda and Jenna filmed in front of a live studio audience on Friday, January 10. “There will be big surprises, lots of surprises that Hoda won't even know about,” Bush Hager, 43, teased in the December 2024 episode.
After Friday's episode, Bush Hager will continue to host the fourth hour of the morning show as Today with Jenna and friends. She will be joined by a series of rotating guest hosts until a permanent replacement is chosen. Craig Melvinmeanwhile will take over Kotb's role how Savannah Guthrie's coankurs.
Before she officially says goodbye, scroll down to see the biggest moments from Kotb's finale Today episodes:
Corporation surprise
The marching band from Kotb's alma mater, Virginia Tech, performed at 30 Rockefeller Plaza during Monday's second hour. Today. After Kotb hugged the school's HokieBird mascot, Guthrie surprised her colleague with 70 of her Tri Delta sisters.
“They called us two weeks ago and said, 'Can you get some Tri Deltas?'” one of the sisters said. “(Everybody) rallied, came from all over the country because we love you.”
Overwhelmed, Kotb hugged several attendees, including a woman who was her “little sister” in the group. “You guys, I was the pledge trainer for this sorority. It meant the absolute world to me,” she expressed. “I can't believe you guys came. I'm shocked!”
Kotb went on to tell his sisters that they had to hang out after the show. “Everyone is in my house! Let's go!” she exclaimed. “We've got to go out there today. We've got to do it. We're making it happen.”
Heartwarming home decor
Monday's episode Hoda and JennaBush Hager gave Kotba a personalized gift from one of her favorite authors, Charlie McKeesywho wrote A boy, a mole, a fox and a horse. McKay painted a painting of the book's title characters with the message: “Hoda, every step you take is a victory. Love Charles.”
Kotb became emotional while accepting the gift. “First of all, I love him so much. His book has changed the lives of so many people, including me,” she said. “I actually have a framed, just a sketch, just a sketch of his book in my office. I can't believe he did that.”
Bush Hager kept the fun going by playing a special video message sent by McCasey, 62. “I'm in the rain in London to say I wish you all the luck in the world and all the blessings and I look forward to your next step. is fun,” he stated in the clip. “You have given so much and so much and I hope you enjoy what you do next. And every step you take is a victory and thank you for including me in your book journey. I am so grateful to you, always will be grateful. Thank you, Hoda.”
Lasting memory
During her interview on Monday Hoda and Jenna cameo, actress and comedian Michelle Bhutto recalled how Kotba showed his kindness early in his career.
“You won't remember this, but about 23 years ago, I was editing the local news at night, WNBC. … And it was off the night (shift), you'd come (on) in the morning and no one would say hello to me. They just gave me a tape to edit,” she recalled. “You not only greeted me, but you looked into my eyes and said, 'How's your day?' And I said, “I don't even know.” And you say, “I understand.”
She continued, “And you won't remember, but I did because I was like, 'Wow, that's what I want to be.' That's what I want to make people feel: seen.' No matter what they do, no matter what title they have, you look at somebody and say, “How are you?” And you mean it. And that's how I run my show and my projects, and that's the only way to live. So, thank you very much. “
The story left both 47-year-old Bhutto and Kotba torn. “Why am I wearing eyelashes?” Bhutto quipped.
Source link