Hoda Kotb was the former co-anchor of NBC News' TODAY. She also was the former co-host of TODAY's fourth hour, alongside Jenna Bush Hager. Kotb previously co-hosted the fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford between 2008 and 2019,

Jenna Bush Hager said a tearful goodbye to her former Today with Hoda & Jenna co-host Hoda Kotb. Kotb, 60, departed the morning show after 17 years on the Friday, Jan. 10, episode of the Today show. During her final episode, Bush Hager, 43, also took a moment to bid farewell to her co-host of five years.

Today with Jenna & Friends' will begin on Jan. 13 and will feature a rotating roster of co-hosts until someone permanent is named, following Hoda Kotb's exit from the long running morning talk show.

Kotb had a tear-filled morning, as she also got choked up during the first two morning hours while co-anchoring “Today” with Savannah Guthrie.

After a weeklong "Hoda-bration," Hoda Kotb's final day on 'Today' will be Jan. 10. Kotb's fourth-hour co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, also tells PEOPLE what she will miss most about working with her.

Now, Jenna begins her “dating era” as new co-hosts — including celebrities, comedians, fellow anchors and friends of the show — cycle into the seat beside her. “Jenna & Friends” kicks off with Taraji P. Henson co-hosting in January, followed by names like Eva Longoria, Keke Palmer and Scarlett Johansson.

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager have built a strong friendship since they began cohosting the fourth hour of 'Today' together in 2019

Tears were flowing during Hoda Kotb’s final episode of Today. Her friend and fellow host Jenna Bush Hager shared an emotional letter where she thanked Hoda for teaching her “how to say goodbye with grace.