A Heartfelt Goodbye: Hoda Kotb's Final Episode on 'Today'

Hoda Kotb’s final episode on Today is just around the corner, and NBC is pulling out all the stops to celebrate one of the most beloved figures in morning television. As the show gears up for her grand farewell, fans and colleagues alike are preparing for an unforgettable day filled with love, laughter, and tears. In just a few weeks, Hoda will be saying goodbye to the audience she’s come to know so well over the past 17 years.

According to an insider speaking exclusively to Closer, NBC is going all out for Hoda’s send-off. “This isn’t just any regular goodbye,” the source revealed. “There will be special guests, coworkers from her past, classic clips, and big-name stars joining in to honor her incredible legacy. It’s going to be a celebration worthy of the woman who has touched so many lives.”

A Day to Remember: The "Hoda-bration"

NBC has already announced that Hoda’s final episode will be called a “Hoda-bration,” a fitting tribute to a woman who has brought joy and inspiration to millions of viewers every day. The celebration will feature a live studio audience, ensuring that fans from across the country can be part of this historic moment.

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“There will be surprises galore,” Jenna Bush Hager shared during a December 18 episode of Today. “Hoda won’t even know about some of them, which makes it even more special. She’s going to be overwhelmed, and honestly, so am I. Just talking about the ‘Hoda-bration’ brings tears to my eyes. It’s going to be an emotional day, but also a beautiful one.”

The big day is set for January 10, marking Hoda’s final appearance as a Today broadcaster. Jenna, who has worked alongside Hoda for years, expressed her excitement—and nervousness—about the event. “I don’t know how I’ll hold it together,” she admitted. “But we’re determined to make it a celebration worthy of Hoda. We’re starting 2025 with a bang, and Hoda is at the center of it all.”

Emotions Running High: What to Expect

Insiders say fans can expect Hoda to be incredibly emotional during her final episode. “She’ll be overwhelmed by the love and support from everyone,” the source added. “Hoda deserves every bit of it. She’s worked tirelessly for years, and now it’s time for her to step back and enjoy the moment. There will definitely be tears, but they’ll be tears of joy and gratitude.”

Hoda Kotb Will Likely Be 'In Tears' During Final Today Episode — Debra L Rothenberg/WireImage

When Hoda first announced her decision to leave Today on September 26, she was visibly emotional. Now 60 years old, Hoda has spent 17 remarkable years on the show, building a career that has inspired countless people. But as she looks to the future, her priorities are shifting. “I’ve had a wonderful run,” she said during the announcement. “But my kids, Haley and Hope, deserve more of my time. They came into my life later, and I want to make sure they get the attention and love they deserve.”

Each time Hoda talks about leaving, it tugs at the heartstrings of her loyal fans. For years, she’s been a constant presence in their lives, and now saying goodbye feels bittersweet. But there’s one thing Hoda won’t miss about her morning routine: waking up at 3:00 a.m. “No, I won’t miss that,” she confessed during a December 18 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers. “Sometimes I push it to 3:15, but the alarm usually goes off at 3:00.”

While she’ll enjoy sleeping in a little longer, Hoda admits there’s one thing she—and her kids—will miss about the Today studio: the NBC Commissary. “The NBC Commissary is my happy place,” she joked during her chat with Seth Meyers. “My kids love it too. Whenever they visit me at work, the first thing they ask is if we can stop by the ninth floor for a bite. It’s a tradition we’ll definitely miss.”