Hoda Kotb wrapped up her nearly 20-year tenure on the “Today” show Friday with some starry surprise cameos.
Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Simone Biles, and Kermit the Frog were among those who appeared, virtually and in-person on the touching “Hoda-bration.”
Kotb, 60, who is retiring to focus on her young family, began the 7 a.m. hour holding hands with Savannah Guthrie and saying, “One last time. Let’s do this.”
In honor of Hoda Kotb’s last day on TODAY, Jamie Lee Curtis and Oprah Winfrey are sharing kind words as she embarks on this next chapter of her life. https://t.co/uhnkmIDUc9
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 10, 2025
After pre-recorded video tributes from colleagues — Guthrie, successor Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Carson Daly — a choked-up Kotb got more surprises, including a pre-recorded tribute from Curtis, 66, who also commissioned a personalized art piece.
“It says, ‘Every today with you is a better day,’ and the dates of your time at the ‘Today’ show,” said the “Halloween” star. “From all of your friends, your fans, me included, thank you for being such a shining example to all of us of what’s really important. And the reason that you’re stopping is the most important.”
In her own video, Winfrey, 70, said she knows “what making this decision feels like.
Oprah Winfrey appears on Hoda Kotb’s final day as co-host of ‘Today’ on Friday. (Today)
“I will assure you that yes, you have made the right move, although it has been very hard to do,” said the multi-billionaire. “And whatever you decide to do in your next chapter, in the next adventure, it will be the best decision for you and for your family.”
Then, Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles popped by the studio to surprise her Olympics mom.”
The star gymnast, 27, said she and Kotb had an instant connection in her early days and thanked the latter for giving the U.S. team “a safe space … to tell our stories.
“And now, coming into adulthood, we get to riff and chat,” Biles continued. “Hopefully we’re in L.A. together.”
Though Biles remained coy about whether she’ll compete in the 2028 summer Olympics in L.A., Kotb proclaimed, “We broke news on my last day!”
Everyone’s favorite Muppet also appeared to serenade Kotb and her daughters — Haley, 8, and Hope, 5 — with a rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” which she sings with the girls every night.
Guthrie escorted Kotb out through the “tunnel of love” for her final walk out to Rockefeller Plaza, where producers and staff cheered. Outside, some fans held up goodbye signs, while others begged Kotb to stay.
During “Today with Hoda and Jenna,” Kotb received a pre-recorded message from her mom, Sametha, and surprise visits from Gayle King, Jimmy Fallon, Kathie Lee Gifford and country star Walker Hayes.
Kotb announced in September that she would be leaving the show, where she spent 17 years, including five as co-anchor. It was announced in November that she would be replaced by fellow NBC vet Melvin on the 7 to 9 a.m. hour alongside Guthrie.
Jenna Bush Hager announced earlier this week that Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer and Eva Longoria will guest co-host “Today with Jenna & Friends” next week, followed by Scarlett Johansson’s week-long co-hosting stint, starting Jan. 20.