Al Roker says he 'can’t feel any sadness' as Hoda Kotb bids farewell to 'Today': 'I'm thrilled for her'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hoda Kotb left fans and colleagues in tears this week when she announced her departure from 'Today' after more than five years as co-host of the beloved morning show.

During the September 26 episode, Kotb shared, “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” emphasizing that “this is the right time for me to kind of move on.” 

Al Roker celebrates Hoda Kotb's next chapter 

Al Roker, a longtime member of the 'Today' team, expressed his mixed emotions about host Hoda Kotb leaving the show in an interview with People on Sunday, September 29.

He said that while will miss Kotb's presence daily, “I’m just so thrilled for her that I can’t possibly feel any sadness.”

Roker added, “I would feel much worse if she was leaving, but she's just doing something else within our NBC News family.”

Having joined NBC 26 years ago, Kotb is expected to co-host her final episode of 'Today' in early 2025. In an open letter to her colleagues, she reassured them that “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.”

Hoda Kotb calls Al Roker her 'oldest friend' in heartfelt farewell

In her message, Hoda Kotb referred to Al Roker as “my oldest friend at 30 Rock.”

Roker took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to Kotb, posting several photos together and writing, “It’s taken a little time to process, but I feel nothing but happiness for my dear friend, @hodakotb. She has taught me that it’s not about you but the other person.”

He reflected on their long friendship, stating, “From my family to her mom, sibs, and daughters, to our @todayshow family, Hoda has been about her circle. And that’s why she has the courage to do this. I love you. And, you ain’t going that far, Sis!”

NBC aims to retain Savannah Guthrie amid Hoda Kotb's departure

According to the Daily Mail, Savannah Guthrie is being courted by NBC to secure her position on the 'Today' show following Hoda Kotb's unexpected departure announcement on September 26.

Kotb, who has been with the flagship show for 17 years, stated that she wants to "try something new," with her official exit scheduled for early 2025.

NBC producers are eager to retain Guthrie as her contract renewal comes up next year, aiming to avoid a major overhaul during this transition.

They prefer to promote someone from the network rather than bring in an outsider as Kotb's replacement. Craig Melvin and Laura Jarrett are considered top contenders for the co-anchor position, with producers monitoring audience reception to determine the best fit. While Sheinelle Jones is also interested in the role, the focus remains on Melvin and Jarrett.