Kathie Lee Gifford On Hoda Kotb ‘Today’ Departure
Hoda Kotb announced on Thursday that she was leaving The Today Show to spend more time with her children. Her last episode will air in January 2025. This was a surprise since she has been a host on the show for 17 years. However, it was just as shocking when Kathie Lee Gifford announced she was leaving Today in 2018.
Now, Kathie Lee has commented on Hoda’s announcement and what it means to her.
Kathie Lee Gifford On Hoda Kotb Leaving Today
Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford co-hosted The Today Show together from 2008 until 2018. Gifford was a holdover, and Hoda became her new partner in that first season. However, in 2018, Gifford left the show and stepped back. Now, Gifford, 71, has commented on Hoda’s recent announcement.
Kathie Lee made her thoughts known on Twitter. “Bittersweet news as my dear friend @hodakotb steps away from the Today Show,” she wrote. “Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts. Here’s to new adventures!”
Fans swept into the comments to praise the work the two women did together on Today.
- “I think it’s the best news for her. What a beautiful spirit she is! The future will be so bright.”
- “Impossible not to think of you, Kathie Lee, when Hoda made her announcement yesterday! You and she were the first to light up the “fourth hour.”
- “She learned how to walk away with courage and grace from your leading. There is nothing better than getting to have her in our home for as long as we have.”
Hoda Kotb Leaving Today To Go Home
Like Kathie Lee Gifford before her, Hoda Kotb is leaving Today to go home. She is not leaving the network or going to a new show. Hoda said that she is leaving the morning talk show to spend more time with her children and family.
Bittersweet news as my dear friend @hodakotb steps away from the Today Show. Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts. Here’s to new adventures! 🥂 pic.twitter.com/7dBdsmYamC
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) September 27, 2024
There is also no word yet on who will replace Hoda Kotb on The Today Show, although there are some frontrunners. According to sources, producers are considering Laura Jarrett from the Today coverage on Saturdays. Other names being thrown around include NBC Nightly News anchor Halle Jackson, Jacob Soboroff, and NBC News Now anchor Tom Llamas.
What are your thoughts on Today continuing on without either Hoda Kotb or Kathie Lee Gifford? Is this the end of an era on daytime television? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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