Hoda Kotb, a former New Orleans resident, says farewell
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Hoda Kotb's colleagues have been celebrating her on air all week. Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
Hoda Kotb, who calls New Orleans her second home, signs off the airwaves Friday as the co-anchor of TODAY.
Why it matters: The former WWL-TV reporter has shone a national light on the city with her love for the Saints, Jazz Fest and our delicious food.
The big picture: Her last show airs at 10am Friday on WDSU in New Orleans.
- Craig Melvin will replace Kotb as the co-anchor of TODAY alongside Savannah Guthrie, NBC said.
Catch up quick: Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager have co-anchored for five years.
- Kotb, who turned 60 last year, has spent 26 years at NBC. When she announced her departure in September, she said her two young daughters deserve more of her time.
- "This is the right time for me to move on," she said.
Between the lines: Kotb and NBC were also at odds over her contract, according to The Wrap.
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Zoom in: Kotb and Hager have filmed in New Orleans multiple times over the past few years.
- Last spring, they did a burlesque class and ate at Dakar NOLA, Mister Mao and Sun Chong ahead of French Quarter Fest.
- The year before, they went to Jazz Fest and admired the food-themed signs people made for TODAY.
- Kotb also gave the commencement address at Tulane in 2016.
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