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If you’re familiar with the Today show and its lively fourth hour, then you must know Hoda Kotb, the first woman to anchor the main desk of the program. On Friday, after 17 years of hosting Today, Hoda bid an emotional farewell. Her farewell event was dubbed a “Hoda-bration” by her Today family. The show dedicated its Friday broadcast to celebrate her journey and contribution. From tributes by co-hosts to surprise appearances by celebrities and fans, the day was filled with laughter, tears, and gratitude for the anchor. It was truly an honorable moment for a woman who became a beloved figure in American television. Celebrities were present at Hoda Kotb’s 'Today' show farewell Hoda-bration/Instagram The farewell broadcast began with a montage of Hoda’s most memorable moments on the Today show. Hoda and her co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie, could not hide their tears during the emotional broadcast. “One last time, let’s do this,” Kotb said, holding hands with Savannah. Outside Rockefeller Plaza, crowds of fans gathered with signs reading messages like “Thank you, Hoda! We’ll miss you!” Throughout the show, her colleagues shared emotional tributes. Guthrie described Hoda as “like a sister,” she also praised her courage and selflessness. Al Roker reflected on the time he was sick, and Hoda stood by him throughout that people assumed she was his doctor. He also credited her as a constant source of support for him. “She leads with her heart,” he added. Hoda’s replacement Craig Melvin talked about her genuine nature, he confirmed that her cheerful and warm personality on-screen matched her off-screen personality. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TODAY (@todayshow) Celebrities and public figures were not left out, the celebrations included a special pre-recorded goodbye package and surprise appearances by notable figures. Jamie Lee Curtis, Oprah Winfrey, Simone Biles, and Maria Shriver each celebrated Hoda. Winfrey assured her, “You’ve made the right move. Your children will benefit so much from this decision.” Olympian Simon Biles also called Hoda their “Olympic mom.” She also shared that Hoda “created a safe space for them to tell their stories.” To conclude the farewell event, country artist Walker Hayes performed “Wednesdays,” a song he co-wrote with Hoda. As the lyrics played, Hoda wiped away tears and mouthed the words. LAW AND ORDER: SVU, Hoda Kotb in 'Producer's Backend' (Season 16, Episode 3, aired October 8, 2014). ph: Barbara Nitke/© NBC/courtesy Everett Collection Why did Hoda Kotb leave 'Today'? Hoda Kotb’s decision to leave Today was not made lightly. During her announcement in September 2024, she shared that her 60th birthday made her reflect on her life’s priorities. She explained, “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new. I thought, ‘This is what the top of the wave feels like for me.’” Another factor in her decision was her desire to spend more time with her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5. Having adopted them later in life, Hoda felt it was important to give them more of her time and attention. “They deserve a bigger piece of my time pie,” she said. “I feel like we only have a finite amount of time.” Hoda Kotb and Gayle King/Instagram Hoda’s letter to the Today staff captured the bittersweet emotions of her departure. She described her time at NBC as “the longest professional love affair of my life.” She expressed her gratitude for her colleagues and fans and the experiences she shared. At the 10 a.m. hour of “Today,” Kotb read a letter to her co-hosts and the people who have watched her all these years. “I want to say thank you from the bottom of my very full heart for the ride of a lifetime.”