After decades of making her mark as a beloved host on The TODAY Show, Hoda Kotb officially bid farewell to the iconic morning program on January 10, 2025.
Her final episode was nothing short of a celebration — a “Hoda-bration” — full of tributes, heartfelt moments, and an outpouring of love from colleagues, friends, and fans alike.
The “Hoda-bration” kicked off with a surprise visit from Kotb’s Tri Delta sorority sisters, who appeared to honor the host and share in the emotional send-off.
It was just the beginning of a week-long tribute to the woman who had been a staple of the TODAY family for 26 years.
Guests such as talk show host Andy Cohen and country star Blake Shelton took the time to express their admiration for Kotb,
with Cohen even joking that she had “the best head of hair on television.”
This week-long celebration culminated in an emotional final hour, during which Kotb co-hosted Today with Hoda & Jenna for the last time alongside her close friend and fellow co-anchor, Jenna Bush Hager.
The Hoda-bration was a fitting tribute to Kotb’s extraordinary career. As she approached the end of her final show, Kotb shared her gratitude with the fans who had supported her throughout the years. She joined her audience in the iconic TODAY show plaza, where she delivered an emotional message to the crowd. “Can I just say thank you to every person who came out here?” Kotb said with a smile. “I read your cards. I got your bracelets. I got the scarves you crocheted. I read the texts. I got everything. So I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you for coming out, for being here, and for everything you did.”
The celebrations continued throughout the day, with Kotb reading a heartfelt “love letter” to her fans in a prerecorded segment. “How do I say thank you for more hugs and more love than one person deserves?” she asked, clearly overwhelmed by the support. She went on to reflect on her long journey with The TODAY Show, adding, “I’ve become who I am on this hour of this show, and you were there with me every step of the way.” Her emotional farewell resonated with viewers, and the show’s team, who had worked alongside her for so many years, were visibly moved by her sincerity.
Kotb’s exit wasn’t just about saying goodbye to the TODAY show — it also marked the start of a new chapter in her life. In her final moments on air, Kotb shared a touching moment with her daughters, Haley Joy, 8, and Hope Catherine, 5. As they prepared to leave the studio for the last time, the family drove off in Kotb’s minivan, sporting a humorous “Just Repotted” sign — a nod to her plans for the future. Kotb had previously announced her intention to focus on her wellness project, a new endeavor that reflects her growing passion for mindfulness and personal growth.
Her departure from The TODAY Show wasn’t just the end of a career — it was the beginning of something new, both personally and professionally. Kotb has already begun focusing on a wellness-centered project, hoping to provide others with tools for self-care and growth. With her commitment to spending more time with her daughters, Kotb is also prioritizing family as she transitions into this exciting new phase of her life.
The Hoda-bration was an unforgettable farewell, not just to Kotb’s decades of broadcasting success but to the legacy she leaves behind. As the tributes poured in from every corner of the television industry, it was clear that Kotb had made a lasting impact. NBC colleagues, former friends, and even a surprise appearance from Kermit the Frog made the send-off truly special. Kotb’s contributions to the show, her warmth, humor, and down-to-earth charm, have earned her a permanent place in the hearts of TODAY fans.
As Kotb moves forward in her new endeavors, she can rest assured knowing that her TODAY family, as well as the millions of viewers who tuned in daily, will continue to cheer her on in whatever comes next.
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