Kathie Lee Gifford has spoken out about the unexpected news that her longtime friend and former co-host, Hoda Kotb, is leaving Today after 17 years. 

The two shared the fourth hour of the popular morning show for more than a decade 

before Gifford stepped away in 2019, but their bond has remained strong.

On Thursday, Kotb made the emotional announcement that she would be leaving the show at the beginning of 2025, 

citing personal reflections and a desire to spend more time with her daughters.

In response, Gifford took to social media to share a heartfelt message, celebrating her friend’s incredible journey and expressing excitement for what comes next.

Kathie Lee’s Touching Tribute to Hoda

In an Instagram post, Gifford shared a series of throwback photos capturing special moments she and Kotb had shared over the years on Today. Alongside the nostalgic images, she wrote a touching message:

“Bittersweet news as my dear friend @hodakotb steps away from the Today Show,” she wrote. “Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts. Here’s to new adventures!”

Her post was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow colleagues, who also expressed their love and admiration for Kotb’s contributions to the show.

Hoda Kotb Reflects on Her Decision to Leave

Kotb made her departure announcement with an emotional statement shared on Instagram, where she reflected on her time at NBC and the impact the show has had on her life.

“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you’ve been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure,” she wrote.

She assured fans that she would continue working through early 2025, giving her and the Today team time to transition.

“Looking back, the math is nuts … Because I’ll be working through the beginning of 2025, there’s plenty of time to talk about what’s ahead for all of us. But one thing I know for sure right now is this: everything’s going to be just fine,” she continued.

While she may be leaving her daily hosting duties, Kotb reassured her followers that she is still part of the NBC family.

“I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family, and you all will always be a part of mine.”

Hoda Opens Up About Her Reasons for Leaving

During Thursday’s live broadcast, Kotb sat down with her co-hosts, including Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Craig Melvin, to discuss her decision.

She explained that turning 60 had been a turning point in her life, prompting her to reassess her priorities.

“It was such a monumental moment for me when I turned 60 because I started thinking about that decade—like, what does it mean, what does it hold, what’s it going to have for me? And I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new,” Kotb shared.

One of her biggest motivations for stepping away from Today was her desire to dedicate more time to her daughters, Haley and Hope.

“This is what the top of the wave feels like for me, and I thought, ‘It can’t get better.’ [My kids] deserve a better piece of my time pie than I have given them.”

Emotional Reactions from Today Colleagues

The announcement was met with an emotional response from Kotb’s co-hosts, many of whom struggled to imagine the show without her.

Savannah Guthrie, who has shared the anchor desk with Kotb for over seven years, fought back tears as she addressed her friend’s departure.

“Honestly, I don’t think any of us can imagine—we don’t want to imagine—this place without you, so it’s complicated because we love you so much and we don’t want you to ever go.”

Jenna Bush Hager, Kotb’s co-host during the fourth hour of Today, also became visibly emotional while reflecting on their time together.

What’s Next for Hoda Kotb?

While Kotb has not yet shared specific plans for her next career move, she made it clear that she is looking forward to embracing a new chapter. She remains committed to her work at NBC in some capacity but is eager to focus on her personal life as well.

As for the future of Today, speculation has already begun about who might replace Kotb as co-anchor. While no official announcement has been made, viewers and insiders alike are watching closely to see how the show will evolve in the coming months.

Kathie Lee Gifford’s touching tribute to her longtime friend and former co-host perfectly captured the bittersweet nature of Kotb’s departure—while it marks the end of an era, it also signals the beginning of an exciting new journey.

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