Kathie Lee Gifford is thrilled for her friend Hoda Kotb as she embarks on a new journey following her exit from the Today Show.
On social media, Gifford expressed her feelings about Kotb’s departure, stating, “Bittersweet news as my dear friend Hoda Kotb steps away from the Today Show.” Gifford, who is 71, continued with heartfelt words, emphasizing Kotb’s positive impact: “Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts. Here’s to new adventures!”
Gifford’s message included nostalgic throwback photos of the two during their time together at the news desk. The duo co-hosted the fourth hour of Today for 11 years until Gifford left the show in 2019.
Kotb’s emotional announcement of her departure took place on Thursday, a significant moment after 26 years at NBC. While surrounded by fellow co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager, Savannah Guthrie, Sheinelle Jones, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin, all visibly affected by the news, Kotb shared the motivation behind her decision. Reflecting on her recent birthday, she stated it prompted her to reassess her priorities, choosing to focus more on her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 4.
“This is the hardest thing in the world,” she said. “I decided this is the right time for me to kind of move on.” Kotb confirmed she would remain with NBC but mentioned she wouldn’t be on the Today Show after the first of the year.
Despite her departure, Kotb reassured her colleagues, saying, “You don’t leave family, so I’m gonna be haunting you in your lives for a long, long time.” Bush Hager recounted her initial reaction to the news, clearly emotional, saying, “Hoda told me just a couple days ago, and my first reaction was almost crazy. … I said, ‘No, you can’t leave because what we have here is magical and powerful.’”
Sources revealed Kotb’s decision was influenced by her recent move to the New York City suburbs, aiming to provide her children with a more “normal” lifestyle. Although the decision was made after much contemplation, it still shocked many at the network, highlighting the deep connections forged over the years.
