Hoda Kotb will be the permanent replacement for Matt Lauer as co-anchor of the TODAY Show on NBC. She joins Savannah Guthrie, who has been co-anchor since 2012.
Full memo below from NBC News Chairman Andy Lack:
I'm proud to share the news with you that Hoda Kotb will become co-anchor of TODAY, joining the inimitable Savannah Guthrie. Our new anchor team will officially make their on-air debut this morning.
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.
Hoda is, in a word, remarkable. 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.
Savannah, in her five years co-anchoring TODAY, has proven to be one of the best and most uncompromising interviewers in the business. Her unique credibility spans politics and pop culture and everything in between. On top of all that, we've been lucky enough to watch and delight in her joy as she has built her own family, all while becoming the center of TODAY's. She's been a rock for our organization in tough times, and we are grateful.Another trademark of TODAY is the strength and experience of its team. Al Roker, Carson Daly, Kathie Lee Gifford, Willie Geist, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer and Jenna Bush Hager have all consistently moved forward during this transition with thoughtfulness and dedication. We are fortunate to have such a deep bench of extraordinary hosts and journalists.