As the buzz about who will take Hoda Kotb's place on the Today show continues to grow, Savannah Guthrie has finally chimed in with her thoughts. In an exclusive interview with Closer, the NBC anchor opened up about the upcoming transition and shared her feelings on the matter.
Inside the World Mental Health Day Gala
Caught up with Savannah Guthrie at the Project Healthy Mind’s World Mental Health Day Gala held at New York’s Spring Studios on October 10, Closer had the chance to ask her about Hoda's departure. The event was all about supporting the organization's mission to connect over 10 million Americans with mental health services over the next decade through its free digital marketplace.
Savannah’s Take on Hoda's Departure
During the gala, Savannah, 52, discussed Hoda's exit from the Today show and whether she might consider stepping into Hoda's shoes, alongside Jenna Bush Hager, 60, during the fourth hour of the show. “Oh my gosh, of course, I mean, I love Jenna,” she told Closer when asked if she'd be interested in the opportunity. “I think they’ll probably go in a different direction. I think by 10:00, the show has had enough of me,” she joked.
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But Savannah didn’t stop there. She assured fans that the show would continue to thrive. “But I’m here for a fill-in anytime. Jenna is one of my dear friends, too. The thing I’ll say is our show is in great hands. It’s not about one person or two people. There’s an entire cast, an entire ensemble, and we’re family,” she emphasized.
Hoda's Final Broadcast
Hoda will make her final appearance on Today early next year in 2025. Despite her departure from the morning show, NBC hasn’t announced her official replacement yet. Although Hoda is stepping away from the Today show, she will remain involved with the network in some capacity, although the specifics haven’t been revealed.
“And Hoda is not going far, by the way,” Savannah reassured fans. “She’ll still be around here and there with NBC, so I think we’re going to be in great shape but, of course, we’ll miss her.”
When Hoda announced her decision to leave the show on September 26, it left her co-stars emotional and tearful. “You have guts. For someone to leave at the top of their game — to leave something that’s wonderful, that you love, where it’s easy and comfortable and beautiful and fun and say, ‘But I dream even bigger for myself,’ into the great unknown, you have so much guts. You inspire me. I love you,” Savannah told Hoda during the broadcast.
Later in the episode, the Today team, including Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones, did an eating and drinking segment where Savannah appeared noticeably somber. “We love her so much. And, as you said Sheinelle, we’re going to hold our sorrow of missing her and loving her so much with our gratitude that it happened,” she expressed. “You know, I always tell my kids, ‘Don’t be sorry that it’s over, be glad that it happened.’”
What’s Next for Hoda?
As for what’s next, the possibilities are endless for Hoda. The broadcaster is eager to spend more time with her daughters, Haley and Hope, in their new home. “NBC would love for Hoda to stay, but they understand her personal reasons for leaving,” an insider shared with Closer on October 9. “Hoda’s hoping to do some specials and fill in from time to time. She’s not planning on disappearing from the network.”
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