Hoda Kotb is officially stepping down from the Today show on Friday after nearly three decades at NBC – and after DailyMail.com shook shoulders with her esteemed colleagues earlier this week, it’s clear they all feel the same way about her departure.
The popular presenter, 60, announced her decision to leave the program in September, immediately sparking an outpouring of grief from across the country.
It was later confirmed that Craig Melvin, 45, will take her place as co-host in “one of the most popular decisions” made by the network and will begin his tenure on Monday.
But what do Hoda’s co-stars really think of her impending departure?
DailyMail.com mingled with the Today show crew in Manhattan, New York, on Tuesday evening as the network prepared to launch its new health and wellness app Start Today.
And after conversations with Craig, Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer and Laura Jarrett, it became abundantly clear that while they are saddened by the loss of their beloved and cherished colleague, they are overwhelmingly happy to see her take this next step.
Hoda Kotb will officially step down from the Today show on Friday after nearly three decades at NBC
DailyMail.com mingled with the Today show crew in Manhattan on Tuesday night (pictured in December 2024)
Not only that, but they all seemed united in the idea that they’re not really saying goodbye – and that even though Hoda will be saying goodbye to Studio 1A, she will still remain a constant throughout their lives.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Laura, 41, who joined the Today show family as a presenter in 2023, also revealed that Hoda is ‘at peace’ with her departure from the network.
“I’m so happy for her,” she said enthusiastically. “I feel like everyone who’s been watching not just the last few days, but the last few months since her announcement, has seen how peaceful she is and how happy she is, and she’s just marinating in this moment, which is so nice to see.
“People don’t want the attention focused on them, especially trained journalists, but Hoda is enjoying her minute.
“And I think as long as she’s worked and as hard as she’s worked, she deserves every ounce of attention that she gets.”
Meteorologist Dylan, 43, echoed a similar sentiment, adding that as she prepares to say goodbye to Hoda in a work capacity, they will remain in close contact as they both live in Bronxville, an affluent New York suburb.
“I love seeing her so happy for this next step,” she told DailyMail.com.
“You know, this is her journey, and it’s one she’s chosen, and if she’s happy with it, I can’t help but be happy for her.
In an exclusive chat with DailyMail.com, Laura Jarrett revealed that Hoda is ‘at peace’ with her departure from the network
Dylan Dreyer said that while she will miss working with Hoda, she is “so happy for her in this next step.”
‘Selfishly, I will miss working with her. She is the heart of the show [and] She puts a smile on your face every time you see her.”
Dylan added, “Hoda and I are neighbors, so I’ll still see her all the time. Our kids pretty much grew up together, so I’m not losing Hoda in my life.”
And suffice it to say, today’s 70-year-old show powerhouse Al naturally shared the same vision.
“We’re not saying goodbye,” he insisted. “We just say, ‘We’ll see you later.'”
He added: “She’s still there and it’s not like she’s leaving, leaving. She’s just transitioning, so it’s all good.”
Hoda announced that she was stepping down from the Today show in September, citing that turning 60 had changed her priorities in life.
“I realized it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and try something new,” she said on the programme.
Al Roker and Hoda’s friendship goes way back – and the pair obviously remain in touch
Speaking to DailyMail.com, Al said: ‘We’re not saying goodbye. We just say ‘we’ll see you later’
“I remembered standing outside looking at this beautiful group of people with these beautiful signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the crest of the wave feels like to me.’
“And I thought it couldn’t get any better, and I decided this was the right time for me to move on.”
Hoda added that her two young daughters, Haley, seven, and Hope, five, also played a major role in her decision.
“Obviously I had my kids later in life, and I thought they deserved a bigger share of my time than I did,” she said.
“I feel like we only have a limited amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.”
In November, it was confirmed that Craig, who has been with NBC News for nearly fourteen years, would take over from Hoda.
Beginning Monday, January 13, he will occupy the co-anchor chair alongside Savannah Guthrie.
Craig Melvin will take over from Hoda as co-anchor of the Today show on Monday
Addressing his new role, the broadcaster at the time exclaimed: “I am beyond excited and grateful. This is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
And Craig’s signing has proven hugely popular among his peers.
Giving insight into how the news unfolded in the studios, Savannah said live on air: “The larger staff found out this morning and people burst into applause.
“This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.’
Naturally, the Today show stars have thrown their support around Craig and are excited to see him step into his new role.
“Right now we’re all so close, so it’s like seeing my brother get this promotion, and you can’t help but be happy for him,” Dylan said, emphasizing that “it’s not fake happiness.”
She added, “I know him as a person, and it just makes so much sense. I’ve never seen anything make more sense.’