Hoda Kotb officially joins Savannah Guthrie as cohost of “Today”
This morning, January 2nd, Hota Kotb made her official debut as Today cohost next to Savannah Guthrie. NBC News Chairman Andy Lack announced Kotb’s promotion just before this morning’s show.
Lack wrote in his email to Today staff, “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 stepped into the cohost seat after Today’s Matt Lauer was fired on November 28th following sexual misconduct allegations. Before filling in for Lauer, Kotb was a regular on NBC News’ Dateline and the fourth hour of Today, where she and Kathie Lee Gifford discussed relevant daily topics.
Luckily for fans of the fourth hour, Kotb will still join Gifford after hosting the first two hours of the morning news show with Guthrie.
“It’s 2018 and we are kicking off the year right because Hoda is officially the co-anchor of Today,” Guthrie said on air after Kotb’s name was officially announced in the show’s opening. “This has to be the most popular decision NBC News have ever made, and I’m so thrilled.”
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“Hoda is, in a word, remarkable,” Lack continued in his email. “She has the rare ability to share authentic and heartfelt moments in even the most difficult news circumstances. It’s a tribute to her wide range and her innate curiosity.”
Kotb and Guthrie are the first female duo to host Today.
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Kotb and Guthrie have both noted that they are like sisters to each other. We can’t wait to watch their sisterhood grow on air. Congrats to Hoda and the Today team!
