When Hoda Kotb said her final goodbye on the Today show, the emotions were running high. Her dear friend and fellow host, Jenna Bush Hager, stepped up to deliver an unforgettable letter that left everyone in tears. Jenna took a moment to express her gratitude for Hoda's influence and the incredible memories they shared during their time together.
A Journey of Laughter and Joy
As Jenna Bush Hager, 43, took the stage on Friday, January 10, she reminisced about their incredible journey together. "Five years, more than 1,500 shows, 90,000 hours, and 9,000 commercial breaks filled with Shaboozey, Beyoncé, and constant laughter and soul-affirming conversations," she began. Jenna highlighted their adventures, from Vegas to New Orleans (three times!), Austin to Quebec, and their cherished home base, Studio 1A. "This place will always be ours," she added with a warm smile.
Special Moments That Bonded Them
Jenna shared some deeply personal moments that made their bond even stronger. She mentioned how unforgettable it was to tell Hoda, 60, that she was expecting her son, Hal, and just a month later, Hoda introduced her to baby Hope via FaceTime. "They were right on time!" Jenna exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion. These moments defined their friendship and the unique connection they shared both on and off-screen.
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Lessons Learned Along the Way
Jenna took a moment to thank Hoda for being such a remarkable teacher in her life. "You’ve taught me to find joy in the little things," she said. "Like a silly lemon hack that doesn’t even work, or the hilarity of answering social media questions for Jo and Tom and Sally." Jenna went on to share how Hoda taught her that a polar plunge doesn’t always mean jumping into icy water and that something as simple as a minivan with electric doors could bring pure delight. "And who could forget the hit Christmas song we created that actually charted, even if only for a day!" she laughed. Jenna even joked about how Hoda showed her that an apple makes a perfectly acceptable baby gift.
Saying Goodbye with Grace
But perhaps the most significant lesson Jenna learned from Hoda was how to say goodbye gracefully. "You’ve taught all of us here at Today the most important lesson of all—how to say goodbye with grace," Jenna said, her voice breaking slightly. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude for everything Hoda had given her: the hugs, the laughter, the love, and the countless memories. "I will miss you, my friend," Jenna concluded, "but I love you and am so proud!"
Jenna reflected on how Hoda managed to make the farewell process so special. "This isn’t just any Hodini driving off with my purse still in your car—you’ve been able to sit in the glow of this goodbye," she said. "Viewers have traveled miles from other states to declare their love on poster boards, and every single guest has gotten to share their ‘Hoda story’—how you’ve made them feel seen and heard." Jenna's heartfelt words echoed the admiration and respect everyone had for Hoda.
Hoda’s Final Goodbye
Hoda Kotb bid farewell to her role on Today after an incredible 17 years on the show. The mom of two announced her decision to step down in September 2024, sharing her thoughts in a heartfelt letter she read on-air. "As I write this, my heart is all over the map," Hoda said during the September 26, 2024, episode. "I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you, and it’s time for me to leave the show."
Hoda's final episode was a celebration filled with special guests, including Simone Biles, Jimmy Fallon, Kermit the Frog, and a surprise appearance from her former cohost, Kathie Lee Gifford. It was a fitting tribute to a woman who touched so many lives during her time on Today.
