Hoda Kotb’s Farewell Episodes on Today: Highlighting the Most Memorable Moments
Hoda Kotb is bidding farewell to Today with a week filled with joyful and emotional celebrations.
The NBC morning show hosts began Kotb’s “Hoda-bration” on Monday, January 6, acknowledging her last week of episodes. “We’re here to celebrate you, and that’s going to be easy,” Jenna Bush Hager said on Today With Hoda & Jenna, joking that she was struggling to contain her emotions.
Kotb revealed in September 2024 that she would depart Today after nearly three decades at NBC. She cited her recently turned 60th birthday and her commitment as a mother to daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, as pivotal reasons for her decision.
“I had my kiddos later in life, and I realized they deserve more of my time. I feel like our time is limited,” she shared during the broadcast. “This is honestly the hardest decision ever.”
Kotb’s week-long “Hoda-bration” will culminate in a special episode of Hoda & Jenna, filmed live on Friday, January 10. “Expect big surprises, many of which Hoda won’t even anticipate,” Bush Hager, 43, teased in a December 2024 show.
After this episode, Bush Hager will continue hosting the morning show’s fourth hour as Today With Jenna & Friends, featuring various rotating guest hosts until a permanent replacement is named. Craig Melvin will step into Kotb’s position as Savannah Guthrie’s coanchor.
Before her official send-off, explore the highlights from Kotb’s final Today episodes:
A Sorority Surprise
The marching band from Kotb’s alma mater, Virginia Tech, provided a performance at 30 Rockefeller Plaza during the second hour of Today. Kotb embraced HokieBird, the school mascot, before Guthrie surprised her with 70 of her Tri Delta sorority sisters.
“They reached out two weeks ago, asking if we could gather some Tri Deltas,” one sister shared. “[Everyone] came from all over because we love you.”
A stunned Kotb embraced several members, including her “little sister” in the sorority. “Being the pledge trainer for this group meant everything to me. I’m so shocked you all came!” she expressed. “You guys have to come over after the show. Everyone’s invited to my house! Let’s go!”
Heartfelt Home Décor
During Monday’s episode of Hoda & Jenna, Bush Hager presented Kotb with a personalized gift from her beloved author, Charlie Mackesy. Mackesy wrote on a painting of characters from his book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: “Hoda, every step you take is a victory. Love Charles.”
Emotional, Kotb accepted the gift. “I adore him! His work has changed lives, including my own,” she exclaimed. “I even have a framed sketch from his book in my office. I can’t believe he did this for me.”
Bush Hager kept the fun going by airing a special video message from Mackesy, 62. “I’m here in the rain in London, wishing you all the luck and blessings. I hope your next step brings you joy,” he stated in the clip. “You’ve given and continue to give so much, and I hope you find joy in your next chapter. Every step you take is a victory. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey through the book. I’ll always be grateful to you, Hoda.”
A Long-Lasting Memory
During her interview on Monday’s Hoda & Jenna, actress and comedian Michelle Buteau recounted a moment of kindness from Kotb early in her career.
“You probably don’t recall this, but about 23 years ago, I was editing overnight news at WNBC. It was early morning, and nobody acknowledged me. You walked in and made me feel seen,” she reminisced. “Not only did you greet me, but you looked deep into my eyes and asked, ‘How is your day?’ and I felt understood.”
She continued, “You likely won’t remember, but I will, because it inspired me: ‘Wow, that’s how I want to treat others—make them feel acknowledged.’ No matter someone’s role or title, just looking someone in the eye and asking, ‘How are you?’ sincerely is essential. That’s how I approach my work and life, and I’m grateful to you.”
The heartfelt story brought both Buteau, 47, and Kotb to tears. “Why did I wear false lashes?” Buteau joked.
An Emotional Reunion
On January 7, Guthrie reunited Kotb with the family of Erin Ludwig, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2017. Ludwig was featured in one of Kotb’s “Pink Power” segments that aimed to raise awareness about breast cancer. After first meeting Erin’s husband, Jason, and daughters, Savannah and Aubrey, in 2016, Kotb visited again shortly after Erin’s death, gifting the girls with teddy bears.
Now, six years later, Kotb was emotional as Savannah and Aubrey returned on Today alongside Jason, bringing nearly identical stuffed animals for Kotb’s daughters, Haley and Hope. Kotb embraced the girls tightly, while Jason presented her with a bouquet of lilies, Erin’s favorite flower.
“We wouldn’t miss this for anything. When we learned we were invited, we all agreed instantly,” Jason expressed. “You’ve impacted our lives in ways you can’t fathom, and we represent just a fraction of the countless lives you’ve touched throughout your career.”
The segment concluded with Aubrey giving friendship bracelets to both Kotb and Guthrie.
Found Families
Kotb also enjoyed another reunion with prior guests on the January 7 episode of Hoda & Jenna. She previously documented Christina Wong and Dean Kahn on their adoption journey, revealing during their episode that they had been matched with a baby girl.
The couple introduced Kotb and Bush Hager to their daughter Jacqueline during Hoda & Jenna to celebrate Kotb’s final week on Today. “It’s been incredible,” Kahn shared about their new life as parents. “She’s more than we ever dreamed. It feels surreal; you think perfect isn’t achievable, and then it happens.”
Kotb and Bush Hager surprised the couple with a gift basket filled with baby clothing, children’s books, and Hoda & Jenna mugs. “And if she ever gets into mischief, all of this could be resold on eBay,” Bush Hager joked.
Fan Art Favorites
As Kotb stepped out onto the Today Plaza to meet fans on January 8, her cohosts surprised her by decorating the stage with posters created by fans who had brought them over the past month. “We crafted this beautiful collage in honor of Miss Hoda Kotb because behind each of these signs, there’s a devoted supporter who lovingly handmade them, carrying them from across the country for weeks,” Melvin announced.
He further praised Kotb, sharing, “Hoda is consistently here. She’s always the first to greet friends on the plaza. No matter the seasons’ changes, one constant is Hoda Kotb.”
Kotb, tearfully, said the gesture meant “everything” to her, expressing surprise that so many posters were kept. “I thought recently, ‘I wish I could take some of these home!’” she lightheartedly remarked.
A Sweet and Sour Gift
In their final “Can Hoda & Jenna Hack It?” segment, Kotb and Bush Hager attempted one last lemon hack, using a spray bottle nozzle to squeeze juice from a lemon. “I adore a lemon hack,” Kotb stated on the Hoda & Jenna episode airing January 8.
Though they couldn’t replicate the viral tip, Bush Hager cheered up the segment by gifting Kotb a lemon tree to plant at her new residence. “That’s so thoughtful! Oh my gosh!” Kotb bubbled with joy.
Happily Ever After
Kotb became emotional while watching a video montage of all the engagements and weddings she officiated over the years on Today’s January 9 episode. The footage highlighted one specific couple—Mindy Shore and Ben Hebert—whom Kotb helped to get engaged on the Today Plaza and later wed live on air in September 2023.
As a delightful surprise, the couple made a return visit to New York City to honor Kotb’s last episodes on the show. Mindy expressed that their Today show wedding was “the most special thing that has ever occurred to me,” especially after losing her mother last month. “Having you involved in our memorable day was such a serendipitous moment given all the memories I have shared with my mom here,” Mindy shared, visibly touched. “Your presence in our lives means a lot.”
Kotb embraced Mindy after receiving an ornament representing the couple’s wedding flowers. “We’re just so thrilled for you,” Mindy noted. “Many might not realize that during commercial breaks, you’re out there connecting with viewers, sharing your compassion. You’re incredibly welcoming, and I’m so grateful we got to integrate you into our lives, and I wish you great success in this next chapter with your daughters.”
Perfect Match
In a discussion with Kotb and Bush Hager on the January 9 episode of Hoda & Jenna, Garten reflected on a prior appearance before Kotb became officially recognized as Guthrie’s coanchor.
“I recall before you were cohosting alongside Savannah. It was one of the initial days when they were assessing the duo and sent the two of you into a cooking segment with me. I thought that unusual since it was typically just one host,” Garten commented. “Both of you were fantastic together, and from that moment, I believed it was special.”
She shared her advice for Kotb’s future journey, stating, “You don’t need to map out your next year or two. Just decide what you wish to do tomorrow.”
Following in Hoda’s Footsteps
Kotb symbolically passed the baton for her “Hoda’s Morning Boost” segment to Bush Hager during her last episode on January 10. The baton fittingly carried the new title, “Jenna’s Morning Boost.”
“You’re the ideal person to take this on,” Hoda expressed. “You radiate positivity, love, and everything wonderful.”
A Memorable Morning
Kotb’s colleagues on Today celebrated her final day with heartfelt gestures, including a heartwarming video message from Guthrie, Melvin, Al Roker, and Carson Daly. Today staff and fans donned purple beanies and waved purple pom-poms in the Plaza, with Kermit the Frog making a special appearance to perform “Rainbow Connection,” one of Kotb and her daughters’ favorite songs.
Hoda’s Farewell Celebration
Kotb’s concluding episode of Hoda & Jenna featured celebrity appearances from Gayle King, Jimmy Fallon, and Kathie Lee Gifford, along with warm messages from her family, friends, and colleagues. Bush Hager read a heartfelt letter she penned for Kotb, while Kotb reciprocated with a letter directed to the fans. Walker Hayes also visited to perform their original song, “Wednesdays.”
Kotb wrapped up her final episode with a clip showing her and her children driving away from 30 Rock in her minivan. “Alright, are you ready for our next adventure?” she asked her kids, who eagerly replied “Yeah!” Adding a sweet touch to her Today journey, the back of Kotb’s minivan was adorned with a sign stating, “Just Repotted.”