Beloved television personality Kathie Lee Gifford recently responded to Hoda Kotb’s surprising departure from the “Today” show, expressing bittersweet feelings about her friend’s decision. Gifford and Kotb co-hosted the fourth hour of “Today” from 2008 until Gifford’s exit in 2019. Despite no longer being a permanent fixture on the show, Gifford occasionally appears as a guest. Kotb’s unexpected decision to leave the show was motivated by her desire to spend more time with her two daughters. She will continue to host “Today” until early next year and remain with NBC in a yet unspecified role.
Gifford shared her love and support for Kotb on X, praising her warmth, laughter, and spirit that brightened many mornings. Kotb, during her announcement on “Today,” expressed how she felt it was time to turn the page at 60 and embark on new adventures. She recalled feeling like she was at the top of the wave and now believed it was the right time to move on. Kotb’s departure has taken viewers and colleagues by surprise, but they have shown tremendous support for her decision.
Kotb initially joined NBC in 1998 as a correspondent for “Dateline” before moving to “Today” in 2008. She became an anchor on the first two hours of the show in 2018 and has since co-hosted the fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager after Gifford’s departure. The positive relationship between Gifford and Kotb, both on and off-air, has resonated with fans, who are now eager to see what the future holds for Kotb.
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