Hoda Kotb’s announcement that she will soon be leaving her role at Today has been met with an outpouring of love and support from those who have worked with her over the years—including her former co-host, Kathie Lee Gifford.
Gifford, 71, began sharing hosting duties of Today’s fourth hour time slot with Kotb, 60, in 2008. She left Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda in 2019, though she has made reappearances on the show.
In the wake of Kotb’s Thursday, Sept. 26, career change revelation, Gifford posted a sweet message about her friend on X, formerly Twitter.
“Bittersweet news as my dear friend @hodakotb steps away from the Today Show,” Gifford’s post said. “Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts. Here’s to new adventures! 🥂.”
Bittersweet news as my dear friend @hodakotb steps away from the Today Show. Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts. Here’s to new adventures! 🥂 pic.twitter.com/7dBdsmYamC
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) September 27, 2024
While making the emotional announcement, Kotb explained that she “realized that it was time for me to turn the page” when she celebrated her 60th birthday over the summer. It is now time “to try something new,” she added. Several of Kotb’s current colleagues met her news with a mixture of sorrow that she will be leaving and excitement for her future.
Kotb’s Today with Hoda and Jenna co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, told the mom of two during Thursday’s show that she and fellow Today co-host Savannah Guthrie will be “your friends forever.”
Related: Fans Can’t Keep It Together as Hoda Kotb Makes Major Career Announcement: ‘Just Fell to My Knees’
Guthrie similarly expressed love for Kotb through her tears on Thursday as she praised the departing TV personality’s “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.’ Into the great unknown. You have so much guts,” Guthrie gushed.
Fellow Today co-host Dylan Dreyer also posted a sweet tribute to Kotb on Instagram, writing, “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!”
Much to Today viewers’ relief, Kotb’s exit won’t be immediate. She is expected to continue in her role on the show through early 2025.
Next: What Will Hoda Kotb Do Next After ‘Today?’
