Hoda Kotb reveals her tips for whoever fills her seat at Today following her upcoming departure

Hoda Kotb has revealed her tips for the lucky reporter who will take her place on the Today show following her impending departure.

Kotb, 60, will leave the show next year after 26 years at NBC News and announced her departure live last month.

During an interview with Peopleshe advised whoever would eventually replace her to “1000%” be on the air herself.

Kotb, who co-hosts the fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager and co-hosts Today with Savannah Guthrie, also advised her would-be replacement to give their colleague a chance to “shine.”

“Whoever is interested in that seat, and it might be the best seat on television, I think the best advice I have is to be 1,000% who you are because that’s really the key,” she said .

“And the other thing for me sometimes is that part of the magic is being able to enjoy the person sitting next to you. It’s such a small thing, but sometimes when you’re with someone, you just make them shine. Give everyone a moment, because who wants to be the person at the cocktail party who is talking the whole time?’

Kotb announced last month that she will be leaving Today early next year.

The longtime host, who first joined Dateline NBC in 1998 before eventually landing her current role as co-anchor, shared the surprising update in a heartfelt message to her “Today family” broadcast live.

Hoda, who has been part of NBC News for 26 years, was immediately moved to tears as she explained to her fellow co-hosts that turning 60 had been a “monumental moment” that made her decide it was time to do “something new to try’.

The TV icon – who reportedly earns around $8 million a year – also wrote a letter explaining her ‘painful’ decision to her colleagues, further explaining that celebrating her 60th birthday will be a seismic ‘ brought about change in her life.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” Hoda said. ‘I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful decision. And you are all the reason why. They say two things can be good at the same time, and I feel that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.

“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you stood by my side during this twenty-six year adventure. Looking back, the math is crazy. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven by seven, sixteen by ten.”

She continued, “I imagine your faces and your families and all the ways you have lifted and inspired me. That’s my heart singing. Many of my professional relationships have grown into some of my most cherished friendships.”

She then paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ride-or-die Jenna Bush Hager, claiming she will “desperately” miss everyone she worked with on the hit morning show.

Hoda, pictured late last month, has been with NBC News for 26 years

During an interview with People, she advised whoever would eventually replace her to “1000%” be on the air themselves

“Savannah: my rock,” she continued. “Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss all of you at TODAY dearly.”

The TV star added that she has thought long and hard about the decision as she continued: ‘I’ve been considering this decision for a while – am I really ready? But my sixtieth birthday at the Plaza felt like a change.

“Like a huge, joyful YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly: my broadcasting career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mother need and deserve a bigger share of my time. I will miss you all desperately, but I am ready and excited.

‘Because I will continue working at the beginning of 2025, there will be plenty of time to talk about what awaits us. But I know one thing for sure now: everything will be fine. The Peacock’s feathers are never ruffled… no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its wonderful people – all of you – never waver. You always resist with grace and courage.”

She concluded, “Fortunately and gratefully, I plan to remain part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I have been fortunate enough to hold close to my heart. I’ll be nearby. How could I not? Family is family and you will always be a part of me.”

Kotb announced last month that she will leave the show early next year

During her emotional announcement on the show, the star sobbed along with her co-hosts

During her emotional announcement, the star sat hand-in-hand with her co-hosts as she explained how a big part of her decision was down to her young daughters, seven-year-old Haley and five-year-old Hope.

She said: ‘I had my children later in life and I think they deserve a bigger share of my time, we only have an infinite amount of time.’