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Hoda Kotb Bursts Into Tears on 'Today' Show, Thanks to This 'Shrinking' Star

Pass the tissues

Hoda Kotb
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

Jason Segel is honoring Hoda Kotb's legacy in the best way, and fans can't get over Kotb's emotional reaction.

On a recent episode of the Today show, the broadcaster and journalist sat down with Segel to discuss season two of his Apple TV+ series, Shrinking. And towards the end of their discussion, the actor paid Kotb an honest and heartfelt compliment that left her in tears. Referencing her recent announcement to step down from the morning show, he told her, “I’m going to miss you when you’re gone. I just want you to know these interviews have been some of the best of my whole career, so I’m really grateful to know you.”

As seen in the above clip, which was shared on the show's official Instagram account, Kotb holds her hand to her chest, looking visibly touched as Segel shares his sentiments. Feeling a bit choked up, she responds with a simple, "Wow, thanks," before embracing him on the set and wiping away tears.

Fans couldn't agree more with Segel's remarks, and they continued to show their support for the beloved host in the comments sections. One fan wrote, "She’s always just so kind and graceful. And she remembers people. She connects with you and sees you. She will be missed." Another fan added, "He's right. Hoda has always been a smart, classy and respectful interviewer."

Hoda Kotb and Jason Segel
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

The sweet interaction comes just a few weeks after Kotb dropped the big announcement about leaving the Today show. While surrounded by her Today family on the set—Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones—she revealed that her milestone 60th birthday helped her make the decision.

She explained, “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new. Obviously, I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.”

As much as we'll miss starting our mornings with Hoda, we're excited for the proud mom to embark on this next chapter.

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nakeisha campbell bio

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

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