A recap of a very special (and star-studded) “Hoda-bration.”
TODAY Show fans have experienced the end of yet another era — after 17 years, Hoda Kotb officially left the show on Jan. 10. For the duration of that time, Kotb was the co-anchor for the show’s newsy, crack-of-dawn kickoff alongside Savannah Guthrie; plus, she was at the helm of the show’s upbeat fourth hour, most recently alongside Jenna Bush Hager.
To say goodbye to Kotb, the TODAY Show cast, crew, fans, and celebrity guests participated in a “Hoda-bration” — a sentimental send-off celebrating Kotb’s long tenure. In case you missed it, here are some of our favorite big goodbyes.
Jamie Lee Curtis gave Kotb a unique gift
Academy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis sent Kotb a pre-recorded message presenting Kotb with a sculptural orb inscribed with a meaningful quote and the dates of Kotb’s tenure at TODAY.
“So from all of your fans, your friends, me included,” Curtis said, “Thank you for being such a shining example to all of us of what’s really important, and the reason that you’re stopping is the most important. God bless you and thank you!”
Curtis was originally planning to attend the “Hoda-bration” in person. However, the devastating Los Angeles wildfires prevented Curtis from making the trip.
Oprah Winfrey shared words of wisdom
Oprah Winfrey was a daytime juggernaut for 25 years before making the decision to step down from her own talk show in 2011; in a pre-recorded message, Winfrey drew on that experience to share some words of wisdom with Kotb.
“…I know what making this decision feels like. I know how challenging it is to come to the moment where you say, ‘I have done it, I have done it, and now it’s time to move on to the next thing.’ And I will tell you that in the future, you’re going to look back and you’re going to say, ‘Was that the right decision? Did I do the right thing?'”
“And I will assure you that yes, you have made the right move, although it has been very hard to do, and I know that Haley and Hope [Kotb’s daughters] are going to benefit so much from this decision, and whatever you decide to do in your next chapter, in the next adventure, it will be the best decision for you and for your family,” Winfrey said.
Simone Biles surprised Kotb — and hinted at her Olympics plans
Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles stopped by to bid Kotb farewell: “Hopefully, we’re in LA together, whatever that means,” Biles said to Hoda.
While Biles has yet to confirm whether or not she’ll be competing in the next summer Olympics in Los Angeles, this is perhaps the closest we’ve gotten to an official announcement.
“We broke news on my last day!” Kotb replied.
Kermit the Frog sang a very special song
While plenty of human beings dropped by to deliver well wishes at the celebration, there was also a surprising moment of Muppet representation. Hoda’s daughters, Hope and Haley, joined their mother on set, where the trio was serenaded by the icon Kermit the Frog. The lovable amphibian sang “The Rainbow Connection,” which Kotb sings to her daughters every night.
The crew surprised Kotb with a tunnel of love
As Guthrie and Kotb strolled into the Plaza together, dozens of TODAY Show producers and staff surprised Kotb with cheers and applause. The crew wore matching purple hats and waved purple streamers.
“The reason this works is because of this right here,” Kotb exclaimed.
Jenna Bush Hager read a very emotional letter
In honor of Kotb’s departure, Hager, her co-host on TODAY With Hoda & Jenna, wrote her a letter about the time they’ve spent together as colleagues.
“Five years…more than 1500 shows…90,000 hours…9,000 commercial breaks filled with Shaboozey, Beyoncé, constant laughter, and soul-affirming conversations. From Vegas to NOLA — three times! — from Austin to Quebec…to our home — this home, Studio 1A, which will always be ours. Mine and yours,” read Hager.
Kathie Lee Gifford and Kotb reunited
Kotb’s former fourth-hour co-host Kathie Lee Gifford had a trick up her sleeve: She pre-recorded a video saying she was too busy to attend the “Hoda-bration.” After the video played, however, Gifford arrived at the studio in person.
The pair reminisced before Gifford delivered a heartfelt toast to the departing anchor.
“I’m sending you off with a prayer,” Gifford said. She then read a verse from Jeremiah. “May you walk into the most joyful, prosperous, purposeful time in your life.”
Kotb read a letter thanking her fans
Kotb was showered with love from colleagues and surprise guests, many of whom thanked her for years of hard work. But Kotb wanted to deliver her thanks as well — to her many fans. In a pre-recorded video, an emotional Kotb read “a love letter” that doubled as “a thank you note.” Addressing her many viewers, Kotb explained her initial fears upon taking the job.
“Sixteen years ago, I sat next to Kathie Lee, and she changed my life. She chose me. And truth be told, I was scared. I had never done anything like this before. I was a hard news person…and then one day, [Lee] called me ‘Hoda woman.’ I ripped off that news corset. We pulled up, poured ourselves a glass of wine. And so it began.”
Kotb continued by thanking fans for embracing her: “And along the way, you invited me into your lives, your triumphs, your special moments, and your celebrations. Having a front-row seat to all of this truly helped shape who I am. Thank you so much for letting me be part of your journey.”
Kotb finished on a highly emotional note: “So as I sit here today in my final moments, on this final day in this chapter of my career, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my very full heart for the ride of a lifetime. I love you.”
To close this chapter, Kotb drove off in her white minivan with her two daughters, Haley and Hope, in the backseat.
