An Emotional Goodbye: Jamie Lee Curtis on 'Today'
When Jamie Lee Curtis dropped by the 'Today' show to promote her new series, Sticky, little did anyone expect the heartfelt turn it would take. It was a Thursday morning in December, and Hoda Kotb was preparing for what would be one of the last segments with Jamie Lee. What happened next left the audience in awe and Hoda shedding a few tears.
At 66 years young, Jamie Lee Curtis was as vibrant as ever, dressed in a stunning purple pantsuit. Coincidentally, Hoda, 60, also chose a purple ensemble for the day. As they sat together, a clip from Sticky, a quirky series based on the infamous Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, played on the screen. Hoda, clearly moved, joked, “Alright, I don’t even know where to begin with all the things we just said.”
Starting Off with a Bittersweet Note
Jamie Lee Curtis, ever the quick-witted actress, chimed in with, “Here’s how we’re going to begin. Say it ain’t so, Hoda.” She continued, almost in disbelief, “I can’t deal with this. I just cannot believe this is the last time I’m going to be here with you.”
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It was then that the gravity of the moment hit Hoda. Her eyes began to well up with tears as she sat beside Jamie Lee on the couch. It was no secret that Hoda had announced her departure from 'Today' on January 10, and this segment was becoming a touching farewell.
A Tribute to Friendship and Collaboration
“But it’s appropriate we’re wearing purple, and I’m going to tell you why,” Jamie Lee continued, her voice tinged with emotion. “We’ll talk about Sticky, which is really funny—it’s a true story. It’s a really weird dark comedy like Fargo, and it’s hilarious and fantastic. Margo Martindale is brilliant. It’s on Prime now, and people are loving it.”
Jamie Lee shared an anecdote about filming the Christmas episode on The Bear, where she worked with Ayo Edebiri, who was shadowing the director. Jamie Lee explained her preference for simple direction cues like "hotter, colder, faster, slower" and even colors. During one scene, Ayo, who is 29, whispered the word "purple" in her ear.
“What she meant was she’s wounded; purple symbolizes a wound,” Jamie Lee elaborated. “So, I have a wound today too. We are both wearing purple. I’m a little sad, and yet I love you. I’ve heard you on the phone with your daughters this morning, just like every time I come here. At 7:22, you FaceTime your children. You are an absolute treasure, and we are all going to miss you here. I can’t imagine this place without you. So that’s what I needed to say.”
Jamie Lee then playfully transitioned the conversation to her new show, Sticky, encouraging viewers to watch it. “First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Hoda responded, visibly moved by Jamie Lee’s heartfelt words. “Thank you for the note you just gave me.”
Jamie Lee mentioned that she had initially sent a note to Hoda’s house on September 28, but it never reached her. Hoda urged Jamie to read the note aloud. “It says, ‘Hoda, the long and winding road, where you go, my hand in yours, bravo.’ It was when you had announced that you were leaving,” Jamie Lee revealed.
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Hoda wiped away her tears and suggested they discuss Sticky. “Thank you by the way. What you just did here with me is what you always do, and you did it in Sticky too,” the NBC broadcaster expressed.
A Final Toast to Hoda Kotb
Jamie Lee explained that she was initially set to play the lead role in Sticky but had to step away due to scheduling conflicts. She recommended Margo Martindale for the part, who ultimately delivered a stellar performance.
As the segment came to a close, Jamie Lee had more kind words for Hoda. “I want to say thank you. You have truly changed this place, this house, this group of people that love you, and you are going off for all of the right reasons, and you are going to take all of us with you, and whatever you do, know that you have this family with you, but you are a beautiful human being, and this show is better for you being here. God bless you,” Jamie concluded.
