How the cast of the ‘Today’ show really feels about Hoda Kotb’s exit

In a shocking turn of events, one of our favorite daytime television hosts will soon be leaving the building.

Hoda Kotb surprised viewers on September 26 by announcing her plans to leave Today show in early 2025. Her tenure on the show spanned 17 years on the air, working in some capacity at NBC for nearly thirty years. When making her announcement, she explained that there were many reasons for her surprise exit.

“At 60, I realized it was time for me to turn the page and try something new,” she said in a video posted to Instagram. “I’ve decided this is the right time for me to move on… Other than that, this is the hardest thing in the world.”

It was clearly Hoda’s guy Today The presenters were concerned that she would leave her daytime television team. Although there will definitely be more, here are just a few of the many reactions Today The cast had concerns about the departure of one of their colleagues after such a long tenure.

Jenna Bush Hager

Shortly after the news broke, Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda sat emotionally for their fourth period Today with Hoda and Jenna Segment. While they both burst into tears, Jenna expressed her gratitude while reflecting on one of their first appearances together on the show.

“I come to you when I’m happy, when I’m unsure,” she explained tearfully in a clip posted to Instagram. “You are the one I come to and you believed in me first. We have many bosses and I love them. But this lady said on October 28, 2013 – I looked it up – ‘Hey, I want to come next.’ for me? There’s still room.’”

“Looking at you and seeing magic was one of the easiest things I’ve ever seen in my life,” Hoda replied with the same emotion.

Savannah Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie She also reflected on her friendship with Hoda, sharing how special it was to be by each other’s side on television for so many years.

“Oh, Hoda. All tears for you,” she wrote on Instagram. “For love and joy and most of all gratitude for this beautiful soul who has light, warmth, goodness and faith in abundance. I love you with all my heart, dearest Hoda. We will always be by each other’s side. ❤️“

Savannah also reacted to the news online in an extremely understandable way Today show where people watched her eat while she processed her emotions.

“We love [Hoda] so much,” she said in an Instagram clip. “And like you said, Sheinelle [Jones]we can bear our sadness at missing her and loving her so much with our gratitude that it happened.”

Al Roker

After Hoda broke the news to her colleagues, she and Al Roker shared a touching sentiment about how they were there for each other in some of their most difficult moments.

“I’ve never known anyone like you,” Al said on the radio. “I’ve known you forever.”

“I remember when I got sick,” Hoda replied. “I remember you were the first person to enter my hospital room.”

“And I never left!” Al joked back.

Craig Melvin

“Hoda Kotb is 1 of 1” Craig Melvin wrote in a sentimental post on Instagram after Hoda’s announcement aired on television. “She is a beautiful soul who radiates nothing but light. Like you, I was stunned to hear that she decided to turn the page, but I guarantee her next chapter will make for an even greater story. I love you, my friend. Sad news for the Today family. Fantastic news for Hope and Haley.

Sheinelle Jones

As she sat on the couch and watched Hoda drop the news of her departure, Sheinelle Jones had emotional feelings towards her colleague.

“The only thing people know for sure about this group is that we are a family,” she explained. “And I’m telling you, Hoda relates to every single person on that couch in their own way, so I think we’re all kind of wrestling with that inside. But we also know what a dynamic mother you are and presence you are. And all your movement with well-being. You will change the world.

Dylan Dreyer

To honor her friendship with Hoda, Dylan Dreyer shared one of her most beautiful moments with her son, Ollie.

“This is my favorite picture from @hodakotb,” she wrote on Instagram. “Ollie was having a nervous breakdown, no one could calm him down, Hoda picks him up, wraps her arm around him and he wraps his right arm around her too. She comforts, she loves, she cares…that’s why we all love her. So.” Aside from her talent as a presenter, she is the friend we all want and need. I love you, Hoda, and I applaud you for trusting your gut and taking this next step in your life, and I can’t wait to watch you fly!”

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