Hoda Kotb wrapped up her nearly 20-year tenure on the “Today” show Friday with some starry surprise cameos.
Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Simone Biles and Kermit the Frog were among those who appeared, virtually and in-person, in the touching “Hoda-bration.”
Kotb, 60, who’s retiring to spend more time with her young family, began the 7 a.m. hour holding hands with Savannah Guthrie, saying, “One last time. Let’s do this.”
In honor of Hoda Kotb’s last day on TODAY, Jamie Lee Curtis and Oprah Winfrey are sharing kind words as she embarks on this next chapter of her life. https://t.co/uhnkmIDUc9
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 10, 2025
After pre-recorded video tributes from colleagues including Guthrie, Al Roker, Carson Daly and successor Craig Melvin, a choked-up Kotb got even more surprises, like a personalized art piece commissioned by Curtis.
“It says, ‘Every today with you is a better day,’ and the dates of your time at the ‘Today’ show,” said the “Halloween” star via video. “From all of your friends, your fans, me included, thank you for being such a shining example to all of us of what’s really important. And the reason that you’re stopping is the most important.”
In her own video, Winfrey said she knows “what making this decision feels like.”
“I will assure you that yes, you have made the right move, although it has been very hard to do,” said the multi-billionaire. “Whatever you decide to do in your next chapter, in the next adventure, it will be the best decision for you and for your family.”
Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles then popped by the studio to surprise her “Olympics mom.”
The star gymnast, 27, said she and Kotb had an instant connection in her early days competing and thanked the journalist for giving the U.S. team “a safe space … to tell our stories.”
Though Biles remained coy about whether or not she’ll compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, she teased that she hopes she and Kotb are “in L.A. together.”
“We broke news on my last day!” Kotb proclaimed.
Everyone’s favorite Muppet also appeared to serenade Kotb and her daughters — Haley, 8, and Hope, 5 — with a rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” which Kotb said she sings with the girls each night.
For her final walk out to Rockefeller Plaza, Kotb was escorted by Guthrie through the “tunnel of love,” where show staff and producers cheered. Outside, some fans held up goodbye signs, while others begged Kotb to stay.
During the subsequent taping of “Today with Hoda & Jenna,” Kotb received a pre-recorded message from her mom, Sameha, and surprise visits from Gayle King, Jimmy Fallon, Kathie Lee Gifford and country star Walker Hayes.
Kotb announced in September that she’d be leaving the show where she spent 17 years, including five as co-anchor, noting the time had come for her to focus more on her role as a mom. In November, she revealed that she’d be replaced by fellow network vet Melvin in the 7 to 9 a.m. block alongside Guthrie.
Meanwhile, a new version of the fourth hour of “TODAY” will make its debut on Monday. Jenna Bush Hager announced earlier this week that Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria and Michelle Buteau had been tapped to guest co-host “Today with Jenna & Friends” in the days following Kotb’s departure. Scarlett Johansson will join for a week-long co-hosting stint starting Jan. 20.
