Hoda Kotb officially retired from the Today Show on January 10 after 17 years. Since 2017, she’s served as co-anchor. Hoda Kotb’s exit was tough on Savannah Guthrie, whom she sat next to for more than seven years. The two had on-camera chemistry, but off-camera, it was more. The pair developed an extremely strong friendship that, according to them, was more like a sisterhood. Leaving a job you love is never easy, but at 60, Hoda wants more time with her daughters. Her fellow Today Show hosts understood, but it was a hard goodbye. Things will never be the same, but the memories are incredible.
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Savannah Guthrie Celebrated Hoda Kotb During Her Final “Today Show” Broadcast
She said of her dear friend, “When we thought how best to celebrate you, Hoda, and what you’ve meant to all of us, it was really just one word — love,” Savannah said. “You are love. And we love you. You’re all about it. We’re so inspired by you every day.”
It’s easy to see that the feeling is mutual. Honda took time to express her appreciation to each of her Today Show co-hosts and offer a word of kindness. Her relationship with each was different but equally important in its own way.
When it came time for Hoda Kotb to say goodbye to Savannah Guthrie, she became visibly emotional. She said through tears, “You’re my person, my person,” she cried. “You know who shows up for everybody? This girl. When your brother died, this girl. When I was going through stuff with Hope it was this girl. She’s in the room. She’s always in the room. And I love you.”
We will certainly miss having Hoda in our lives via the Today Show, but we’re excited to see what she does next. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement.
This story’s featured image is by Peter Kramer/NBC via Getty Images.
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