Hoda Kotb Gets Standing Ovation fromTodayShow Crew After Announcing Her Exit

Mar. 15, 2025

Hoda Kotb on the TODAY show.Photo:TODAY

TODAY

The love is pouring in from all sides forHoda Kotbfollowing her announcement thatshe’s leaving theTodayshow after 17 years.

After announcing her departure while teary-eyed, the entire crew for the morning show gave Kotb a standing ovation, as was seen in a behind-the-scenes video shared onX (formerly known as Twitter).

(L-R) Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on the TODAY show.TODAY

In the video, Guthrie, Jones and Bush Hager clapped for their co-host, who was embracing another coworker while the camera crew and other members of theTodayshow team applauded.

“We love you so very much, Hoda! 🧡,” the show wrote alongside the video.

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Before receiving the standing ovation, Kotb reflected onturning 60 earlier this yearand how the milestone birthday led her to decide to “turn a page” and “try something new.”

“I had my kiddos later in life and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world,” she said through tears.

“I’m gonna be here through the first of the year — past the first of the year — and I’m gonna stay in the NBC family, but it’s kind of a big deal for me.”

Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb on the ‘Today’ show.TODAY/X

TODAY/X

Guthrie, 52, then jumped in and paid tribute to her co-host and friend. “Honestly, I don’t think any of us can imagine — we won’t wanna imagine this place without you,” Guthrie said. “So it’s complicated because we love you so much and we don’t want you to ever go. But also, I just want to say, I am so proud of my friend. You have 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.'”

Guthrie continued, “You have so much guts. You inspire me, I love you.”

Bush Hager, who co-hostsToday’s 3rd hour,Today with Hoda & Jenna, with Kotb, then made everyone laugh as she said, “It’s not over. I’m gonna be showing up at your house, like the stalker you are toZac Brown. I’m gonna be there on your doorstep. And we are your friends forever.”

source: people.com