NBC’s ‘Today’ Officially Welcomes Hoda Kotb as New Co-Host Replacing Matt Lauer
Published on January 2nd, 2018 | Updated on January 2nd, 2018 | By FanFest
NBC’s Today has officially found it’s newest co-host. Since Matt Lauer’s dismissal in late November, Hoda Kotb has been filling in as host on a temporary basis, however, on Tuesday morning, it was officially announced that her position has become permanent.
Going forward, Kotb will co-host the popular morning show along with Savannah Guthrie, who actually made the official announcement during Tuesday’s broadcast. Guthrie began the show with the following statement:
“Welcome to Today and we are kicking off the year right because Hoda is officially the co-anchor of Today, so let’s give her a round of applause. This has to be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made and I am so thrilled.”
Kotb, beaming from ear to ear, responded with overwhelming joy by saying:
“I am pinching myself. I think we should send some medics to Alexandria, Virginia, where my mom has likely fainted after hearing the open of that show.”
Guthrie summed up her sentiment by adding, “You are a partner and a friend and a sister and I am so happy to be doing this.”
You can watch Guthrie’s announcement below:
.@SavannahGuthrie announces @HodaKotb will be co-anchor of TODAY. #SavannahHodaTODAY pic.twitter.com/B64n2FmCwq
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 2, 2018
In addition to her new role on Today, Kotb will also continue her current co-hosting role alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. Kotb’s official addition makes it the first time in the history of the series that two women have co-hosted on Today and NBC has no doubt they’ve made the right choice. Entertainment Weekly reports that NBC News chair Andy Lack released a statement to staff which said the following:
“Over the past several weeks, Hoda has seamlessly stepped into the co-anchor role alongside Savannah, and the two have quickly hit the ground running. They have an undeniable connection with each other and most importantly, with viewers, a hallmark of Today.”
Kotb’s NBC family took to social media to congratulate their newest addition. Check out some of the tweets below. Welcome (officially) to Today, Hoda Kotb!
A hearty #congratulations to @hodakotb officially our new @TODAYshow #cohost with @SavannahGuthrie #SavannahHodaTODAY pic.twitter.com/SNNZ2y8Zko
— Al Roker (@alroker) January 2, 2018
“It could not happen to a sweeter, better, more beloved person.”-@KathieLGifford congratulates @HodaKotb pic.twitter.com/Iw4wmHbOAa
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 2, 2018
savannah and hoda – historic and so deserved
one more step in what i believe will the hallmark of the 21 century
women hv full parity
— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 2, 2018
Whaaaaaatttttttt! #SavannahHodaTODAY pic.twitter.com/qX53MUHxcj
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) January 2, 2018
Cheers to @SavannahGuthrie and @HodaKotb! #SavannahHodaTODAY pic.twitter.com/ATIyJhByDI
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 2, 2018
A karaoke obsessed, craft beer enthusiast and lover of all things pop culture, Denise enjoys all facets of entertainment from Broadway to box office blockbusters. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, concerts (lots and lots of concerts), volunteering, reading and playing with her rescue kitten, Samantha (who rescued who, right?).
