Hoda Kotb had a moment she wasn't expecting during the live show on Wednesday.
The host interviewed Jason Segal about his TV show, Shrinking, and at the end of the chat, the actor — who is also a friend of Hoda's — addressed her upcoming departure from Today.
Just as Hoda was wrapping up the interview, Jason interjected and said: "I'm going to miss you when you're gone."
She was taken back and clapped a hand to her chest, but Jason wasn't done.
He continued: "These interviews have been some of the best of my whole career. So, I'm really grateful to know you."
© NBCAll Hoda could muster was "Wow," as she welled up. Unable to get a sentence out, she simply leaned over and clapped a hand on Jason's leg before uttering: "Thanks... Savannah."
Hoda stamped her feet on the floor to try to pull herself together but the emotions were running high.
As the camera panned around to Savannah Guthrie, she exclaimed: "What's happening over there?"
© NBCThere will likely be many more moments like this as Hoda gears up to bid farewell to her role on the NBC show.
The veteran anchor has been part of the NBC family since 1998, and the Today show family since 2007.
She's leaving to prioritize more time with her children, Haley and Hope, but still plans to have a role within the network.
© Getty"You know, it would be more bitter than sweet if she was leaving, leaving," Al Roker shared with HELLO! recently. "She's just transitioning into a different role."
What that role is, remains unclear currently but things were emotional when she announced she was leaving her hosting seat on Today.
© InstagramSavannah was particularly sad to see her friend and colleague go and later told People: "Well, I would say I was shocked but not surprised because she and I have had many, many conversations about life and what does it mean in our hopes and our dreams, and I knew that 60 was a big moment and where she's thinking a lot about just how she wants to spend the rest of her day. So I wasn't surprised."
Hoda made her announcement on September 26, both on the show and on social media.
© NBCHer emotional statement posted on Instagram, alongside a photo of her on the morning show read: "My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you've been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure.
"Looking back, the math is nuts ... Because I’ll be working through the beginning of 2025, there’s plenty of time to talk about what's ahead for all of us. But one thing I know for sure right now is this: everything’s going to be just fine. The Peacock’s feathers are never ruffled ... No matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its amazing people — all of you — never waver.
Today presenters at a glance
Dylan Dreyer
NBC meteorologist known for hosting the Third Hour, a radio show with husband Brian, and specials for the Weather Channel.
Al Roker
Legendary show weather forecaster famed for outside broadcasts, including viral Hurricane Wilma report in 2005.
Savannah Guthrie
Longtime NBC anchor known for her legal and political coverage before becoming host of Today.
Hoda Kotb
Known for her work with children’s books, the entertainment-themed Fourth Hour, and ‘Hoda’s Morning Boost’.
Craig Melvin
Best known for his political and breaking news coverage for NBC, plus work with colorectal cancer charities.
Carson Daly
Longtime TV staple famed for his talk show, Pop Start with Today, MTV’s Total Request Live and The Voice.
"You always weather change with grace and guts. 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. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine."
