There’s no denying that change can be bittersweet, especially when it involves saying goodbye to someone you deeply care about. That’s exactly how Savannah Guthrie feels about her close friend and longtime co-host Hoda Kotb, who recently announced her plans to leave the iconic Today show. Savannah opened up about the emotional moment during an exclusive interview with Closer at Project Healthy Mind’s World Mental Health Day Gala. The event, held on October 10, was aimed at supporting the organization’s mission to connect over 10 million Americans with mental health services through its free digital marketplace within the next decade.
Emotions Running High as Hoda Prepares to Depart
“It’s all the feelings, it’s all the emotions,” Savannah, now 52, shared with Closer. “Primarily, it’s pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve had together. I couldn’t be prouder of how courageous Hoda is being in this moment.” Savannah’s words reflect the deep admiration she has for her friend, acknowledging the bravery it takes to step away from something as monumental as the Today show. “It’s easy to leave something that’s hard,” she added. “But it takes real strength and conviction to walk away from something that’s wonderful, something you love, and something that’s comfortable. Hoda is boldly stepping into her future, even though she doesn’t know exactly what it holds. That takes guts, and I’m in awe of her.”
A Heartfelt Broadcast Marks the Announcement
Hoda, 60, made the announcement on September 26 during a live broadcast of Today, a moment that left both her and Savannah emotional. Savannah couldn’t hold back the tears as she sat beside her lifelong friend. “Hoda, we love you so much,” Savannah expressed during the emotional broadcast. “When you look around and see these tears, they’re not just tears of sadness—they’re tears of love. You are so loved. We don’t want to imagine this place without you.”
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But Savannah didn’t stop there. She went on to praise Hoda’s bold decision to leave at the top of her game. “I just want to say, I am so proud of my friend,” Savannah continued. “You’ve got guts. For someone to leave something that’s wonderful, that you love, that’s easy and comfortable and beautiful and fun, and to say, ‘But I dream even bigger for myself,’ stepping into the unknown, that takes real courage. You inspire me, Hoda. I love you.”
What Lies Ahead for Hoda and Savannah
While Hoda’s final episode of Today is set for early 2025, Savannah is already looking forward to cheering her friend on in her next adventure. “I’ll be there with my two pom-poms, cheering for her the way she’s cheered for me so many times,” Savannah shared. “Of course, for myself and for our show, we’re so, so sad because there’s no one like her. Hoda is one of a kind, and she’s going to shine no matter what she does next.”
Beyond the screen, Savannah and Hoda share a deep bond that extends far beyond their professional lives. Recently, Savannah visited Hoda and her daughters, Haley and Hope, at their new home in the New York City suburbs. Even though the visit was brief, with Savannah, her husband Mike Feldman, and their kids Vale and Charley stopping by for just a quick cup of cupcakes and a swing ride, it was a cherished moment. “I have to say Savannah understands and she was like, ‘We’re coming and going,’” Hoda said during an episode of Today on September 16 after the visit. “They came in, they ate some cupcakes, they walked around, the kids were on the swings for like 10 minutes and she goes, ‘All right, time to go, kids!’”
As for Hoda’s next chapter, she hinted at venturing into a new industry centered around wellness. “It’s a whole wellness situation, and I got lit up by that just from stuff I’ve been working on and doing on myself,” Hoda told People on October 11. “I’ve learned to do a bunch of different things with breath works and whatnot through friends, through Jenna [Bush Hager], through Maria [Shriver], through all these different people, and I’ve been loving it.”
