Al Roker Makes Bold Statement About Hoda Kotb's Exit From ‘Today’
Hoda Kotb brought fans and colleagues alike to tears when she announced earlier this week that she is leaving Today after more than five years as co-anchor of the morning show.
“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” Kotb said on the Sept. 26 episode of the program, remarking that “that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.”
Al Roker, a longtime fixture on Today, told People on Sept. 29 that while he’ll miss seeing her day to day, “I’m just so thrilled for her that I can’t possibly feel any sadness.”
The morning show co-anchor then noted that “I would feel much worse if she was leaving, but she's just doing something else within our NBC News family.”
Related: 'Today' Co-Hosts Share Tearjerking Messages to Hoda Kotb After Resignation: 'You Are So Loved'
Kotb, who joined the network 26 years ago, is slated to co-host her last episode of Today sometime in early 2025.
However, in an open letter to her colleagues at Today, she shared that “happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart.” In the letter, Kotb called Roker “my oldest friend at 30 Rock.”
Roker also posted a series of photos with Kotb on Instagram, writing that “It’s taken a little time to process, but I feel nothing but happiness for my dear friend, @hodakotb She has taught me that it’s not about you but the other person.”
He continued, sharing that “I have known her forever and it has always been about the other person. From my family, to her mom, sibs, and daughters, to our @todayshow family, Hoda has been about her circle. And that’s why she has the courage to do this. I love you. And , you ain’t going that far, Sis!”
Fans chimed in on the sweet message, writing that the two are “Friendship goals forever ??” and “Happy for her and wish her all the best! With that said don’t get any ideas Al! ??.”