Hoda Kotb Receives Heartfelt Tributes from the TODAY Team on Her Final Show

Hoda Kotb has made a significant impact on countless individuals around the globe, but there’s one group that particularly appreciates her influence: the TODAY team.

After nearly 30 years with NBC, Hoda has stepped back from her roles as co-anchor of TODAY and co-host of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna.

On her farewell day, January 10, Hoda turned to Instagram during the surprise-filled “Hoda-bration” to express her goodbyes and gratitude to the people who have enriched her journey.

She shared a touching quote often linked to “Winnie-the-Pooh” author A. A. Milne that states, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” under the caption, “Happy Friday xo.” Additionally, she gave special mentions to TODAY photographer Nathan Congleton and TODAY executive producer Tom Mazzarelli.

In turn, her friends and colleagues at TODAY took a moment to share their good wishes as she embarks on her “repotting” journey.

During a special edition of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, co-host Jenna Bush Hager read out an emotional letter to her longtime desk partner.

“Five years … over 1,500 shows … 90,000 hours … 9,000 commercial breaks filled with Shaboozey, Beyoncé, and endless laughter and soul-enriching conversations. From Vegas to NOLA (three times!) to Austin and Quebec … to our shared home — this home Studio 1A which will always be ours. Mine and yours,” she started.

Jenna fondly remembered their time hosting together while navigating separate quarantines during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as managing two maternity leaves — one for her son, Hal, and another for Hoda’s daughter, Hope.

“Hope, what word … a feeling you’ve given so many … hope to pursue their purpose, to softly share their dreams (even if just to themselves!) and to build their own families,” Jenna expressed.

She continued, “Hoda, you have been a teacher. You’ve shown me how to find joy in the little things: like the silly lemon hack that fails! The fun of addressing the social D’s for Jo and Tom and Sally.”

“And now, my dearest — you’re imparting the most vital lesson of all — how to bid farewell with grace,” Jenna concluded, thanking her for “all the hugs, all the heartfelt moments, all the laughter, and all the love.”

Hoda and her TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie have been sharing delightful moments all week, reflecting on their time together over the past seven years.

On her final day, Savannah gifted Hoda a bracelet inscribed with “With you” in beautiful cursive, along with a ring that reads “Love.”

In a tribute aired on the show Friday, Savannah described Hoda as someone who “reaches out with her eyes and heart. People see someone who genuinely cares. She loves people. She embodies the true essence of being a people person.”

“Hoda, I love you deeply. Even when you’re not sitting next to me. Whether we’re waking up at 4 a.m. or not, I will always stand by your side, and you’ll always be by mine,” she added.

Savannah also shared a compilation video filled with memories of their time together since they started co-anchoring TODAY in 2018, accompanied by Coldplay’s “All My Love.”

Additionally, Savannah posted a picture of herself wearing a purple Hoda-inspired beanie, holding a purple pom pom.

She captioned the image, “all the feels today: love and gratitude for @hodakotb and a bittersweet goodbye.”

Savannah also mentioned Craig Melvin taking over as the new TODAY co-anchor starting January 13, writing, “Love and gratitude for @craigmelvinnbc and the sweetest of LET’S GOOOOO! @todayshow.”

As Craig prepares to step into Hoda’s role as TODAY co-anchor, he extended his love to his “colleague and close friend.”

In an Instagram post on Friday, Craig shared a collection of photos with Hoda, featuring moments of them laughing, joyfully smiling in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and sending her off on her last day.

“Hoda is the embodiment of compassion and love, and she has been the heartbeat of @todayshow,” he wrote. “I am so grateful to have you as a colleague and dear friend. Cheers to you. It’s not a goodbye; it’s a see you later. I love you. Thank you.”

In the tribute aired on the show, Craig said, “Hoda doesn’t merely conduct interviews. She engages in heartfelt conversations. She doesn’t just look into your eyes. She gazes into your soul.”

“Thank you for being a constant cheerleader and champion for so many years,” he concluded.

On Friday, TODAY’s Al Roker posted a lovely video tribute to Hoda, featuring throwbacks from their 20 years of friendship.

“I have known @hodakotb for over 20 years, and she possesses the biggest heart and leads with it daily. That’s what guides her. Love you, my friend. Excited to see what this coming Monday holds,” Al shared, expressing gratitude to TODAY photographer Nathan Congleton for capturing “wonderful” moments of them together over the years.

In his message during the tribute, Al expressed, “I will miss you coming out of the dressing room every single morning. However, you, Hope, and Haley will get to see each other every morning, so how can I feel sad?”

Carson Daly celebrated Hoda and shared memories of their time together in a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday.

“Hoda-brate good times, COME ON! What a memorable send-off week it has been with @todayshow,” he wrote. “I bet you a twenty that it continues on @nbcnightlynews tonight!”

Carson further stated, “We’ll miss you @hodakotb on Monday and beyond, but we’re thrilled for your next chapter and quality time as a mom.”

He also gave a shoutout to Craig, urging him to prepare for his big co-anchor debut, commenting, “You’re on deck @craigmelvinnbc! Big shoes to fill, but I know you’ve been practicing,” followed by a laughing emoji.

TODAY meteorologist Dylan Dreyer praised Hoda as a “bright light” in her heartfelt Instagram post on Friday.

“Hoda…thank you for being such a bright light in my life! You mean the world to me and my family,” Dylan wrote.

The Instagram post included pictures of Dylan and Hoda sharing laughter and moments together with their personal families as well as the TODAY family.

“Wishing you nothing but happiness and love in your new adventure. I’m so excited for you!” Dylan added.