Hoda Kotb Departs the ‘Today’ Show in Star-Studded Episode With Multiple Surprise Appearances

Last year, Hoda Kotb made a huge career announcement regarding her future on the Today show. She was immediately met with loads of support from colleagues and celebrities (looking at you, Jason Segel). And now that she’s officially named a replacement, it’s time to give Kotb a bittersweet send-off.

This morning, the 60-year-old talk show host bid farewell to the Today show after 17 years. The star-studded episode was filled with heartfelt moments between Kotb and her colleagues, along with a few surprises.

Several celebrities went out of their way to surprise Kotb during her final taping. This included Oprah Winfrey, Simone Biles, Jamie Lee Curtis and even Kermit the Frog. 

Some of the visitors—like Winfrey—congratulated Kotb for choosing her family over her career. “I know what making this decision feels like,” the media mogul said. 

Winfrey continued, “Yes, you have made the right move although it has been very hard to do. and I know that Haley and Hope are going to benefit so much from this decision and whatever you decide to do in your next chapter, in your next adventure, it will be the best decision for you and for your family.”