Today didn’t just bid farewell to its longtime host casually – instead, it was a heartfelt celebration dubbed the “Hoda-bration” for Hoda Kotb‘s final episode on January 10th. This special occasion marked her last day hosting the fourth hour of Today With Hoda & Jenna. The emotional send-off featured a procession of guests, affectionately known as the “Hoda-bration”. Co-host Jenna Bush Hager humorously commented at the start of the teary hour, saying it was brought to you by Kleenex.
The festivities began early in the week as Kotb’s Tri Delta sorority sisters paid a surprise visit during her show. Throughout the week, guests such as Andy Cohen and Blake Shelton celebrated Kotb, with Cohen himself complimenting her as having “the best hair on television.” By the time her last day arrived, the celebration, affectionately known as Hoda-bration, extended beyond the fourth hour and encompassed the entire Today broadcast.
At the end of the show, Kotb concluded by mingling with fans in the famous plaza. She expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended, saying “I just want to thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart for coming out, being here, and everything you’ve done.” Later on, during ‘Today With Hoda & Jenna’, she read a heartfelt message to her fans in a pre-recorded segment. She said, “I find it hard to express my gratitude for all the hugs and love I’ve received, more than one person deserves.” Kotb added that the show has helped shape who she is, and her fans have been with her every step of the way. At the end of the program, Kotb and her two daughters, Hope and Haley, left in their minivan displaying a “Just Repotted” sign. After ‘Today’, Kotb plans to start a wellness-focused project and spend more quality time with her daughters, who are 8 and 5 years old.
On Today’s special occasion dubbed “Hoda-bration”, a mix of NBC colleagues, old acquaintances, and even Kermit the Frog graced the set. Here are all the heartfelt tributes dedicated to Hoda that were shared during the show.
Jenna Bush Hager
As I sat down to pen my thoughts, Hoda, I couldn’t help but reflect on our six remarkable years shared on the screen. In truth, during this time, you’ve served as more than just a co-host; you’ve been my guide, my mentor, and above all, a dear friend. You’ve taught me so much about empathy, resilience, and the power of connection – lessons I’ll carry with me wherever life takes us next.
You’ve shown me where to find happiness in small things – like that lemon trick that may not work, but still makes us laugh. You’ve taught me the amusement of addressing Social Ds for Joe, Tom, and Sally. I learned from you that a Polar Plunge isn’t about diving into icy waters, but finding joy in unexpected places, such as a minivan with automatic doors. You showed me how to compose a popular Christmas tune (it climbed the charts, even if only for a day). You taught me that an apple can be a wonderful baby gift. You’ve shown me the importance of looking deeply into our guests’ eyes and hearts, and listening carefully. And now, my love, you’re teaching us the most significant lesson of all – how to part ways with dignity.
Kathie Lee Gifford
In a heartfelt video message, Kotb’s first co-host on ‘Today’ admitted she was unable to attend the celebrations due to being “extremely occupied and vital – not.” However, Bush Hager playfully called her bluff, saying “That’s a lie,” before introducing Kotb, who was there in person. As their theme song played, they danced and shared a farewell toast with morning wine. Gifford expressed her feelings by saying, “I really hoped Kath would be there.” Finally, before Kotb departed, Gifford prayed for her, wishing her to enter the most fulfilling, prosperous, and purposeful phase of her life, accompanied by her precious daughters who she’s watched grow.
Kermit the Frog
As a movie enthusiast, I was thrilled today when Savannah Guthrie hinted at a special guest who wished me well before introducing none other than Kermit the Frog. This beloved Muppet serenaded me with “Rainbow Connection,” a song I often sing to my daughters at bedtime. Kermit said, “Hoda, you truly do make every day as beautiful as a rainbow, which kind of sounds like a song cue.” What an unexpected and heartwarming surprise!
Simone Biles
Besides serving as a TV host, Kotb is an enthusiastic fan of gymnastics and has reported on numerous Olympics through her role on the “Today” show. In her final episode, Simone Biles, a gold medalist, unexpectedly visited Kotb, who affectionately refers to herself as Biles’ “Olympic mom.” Overwhelmed, Kotb exclaimed, “I may not have a gold medal, but I feel incredibly proud right now!
For quite some time, I’ve been appearing on the Today show and have had the opportunity to reveal personal, vulnerable stories. Hoda has provided an exceptional platform that enables us to be honest, exposed, and feel secure. Therefore, I want to express my gratitude for creating such a space where we can share our experiences with the world.
Gayle King
In a playful manner, Bush Hager jokingly announced she had a “Hoda doppelganger competition” and introduced the supposed winner, who was actually King. King expressed her joy at being there because of the challenging week everyone had experienced and the current state of the country. “We needed some celebration, we needed someone to celebrate, and it’s only fitting that it should be you,” she said, presenting Kotb with a T-shirt featuring her face labeled “Hoda” on the front and “Not Hoda” on the back. King explained that people often mistake her for Kotb, stopping her to wish her well on her new chapter and to send their regards to Jenna. She found it flattering to be thought of as her colleague.
Sameha Kotb
In a video message, Kotb’s mother, Sameha, shared words amidst the well-known faces. She reminisced about encouraging her daughter during her career journey, starting from her time at the Virginia Tech radio station. “Today, I am proud of you,” Sameha expressed, “I believe you will continue to excel in your endeavors, and I love you deeply.
Oprah Winfrey
This choice’s consequences are familiar to me,” the TV icon conveyed to Kotb in a video. “Let me reassure you, even though it was tough, I believe you’ve taken the correct path.
Jamie Lee Curtis
As an ardent film enthusiast, I was truly disheartened that the Oscar-winning legend couldn’t personally acknowledge Kotb amidst the Los Angeles wildfire chaos. However, she showed her thoughtfulness by gifting Kotb “one of my treasured orbs,” adorning it with a heartfelt message, “Every day is brighter with you.” In a touching video message, Curtis expressed, “Thank you for being such an inspiring beacon to us all, reminding us of the true essence of what matters most.
Jimmy Fallon
Hoda Kotb’s longtime NBC partner, Jimmy Fallon, bid her farewell with a piece straight from 30 Rock – a framed segment of the NBC elevator carpet. Jokingly, he said, “When you land this job, you look at this building’s magic, and you think, ‘I hope I don’t get let go.’
Her Today co-anchors
Guthrie expressed her deep affection for Kotb, stating, “Hoda, I adore you profoundly. You’re by my side whether we’re sitting together on set or not. Whether it’s early in the morning or not, our bond will always remain strong.” Al Roker shared his feelings about missing Kotb as his daily dressing-room companion. However, he found comfort in knowing that Hoda, Hope, and Haley could see each other every morning. “Given that,” he said, “I can’t be sad.” Carson Daly and Craig Melvin praised Kotb’s interview skills, with Melvin noting, “Hoda doesn’t conduct interviews; she engages in meaningful conversations.
Walker Hayes
On her final episode, the country artist performed a song titled “Wednesdays” that they had co-written with Kotb. This tune brought back memories of the discussion that led to its creation. As she pondered, Kotb recalled saying, “Most days are just Wednesdays, ordinary days,” and went on to reflect, “If you cherish your Wednesdays, you’ll embrace your life.” Following Hayes’s captivating acoustic rendition, Kotb expressed her affection for their show, stating, “I feel like our show has been a series of wonderful Wednesdays – every day has felt special.
Maria Shriver
Natalie Morales, who was once Kotb’s co-anchor on Dateline and frequently filled in as co-host on Today, supported Kotb during her decision to depart from Today and appeared on the final episode to express well wishes. “I feel like I’ve been there while you were growing,” Shriver said. She praised Kotb for discovering “a voice” on Today. “You had the courage to say, ‘I think I want to listen to the voice within me and venture into the unknown. I want to leave one of the most prestigious jobs in television, and I want to take a risk,'” Shriver said. “It takes great bravery for only a few people to do that.
Today staff
Kotb walked out to the Today plaza via a “tunnel of affection” created by the Today team members. Later, she wrapped up Today With Hoda & Jenna with the entire crew joining her on stage. At the end, Bush Hager expressed to her, “You are cherished.
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2025-01-10 23:54