Hoda Kotb Debuts as Co-Anchor on TODAY

Hoda Kotb, long-time co-host at the fourth hour of the Today Show, made her debut this morning as the official new co-anchor. Kotb is replacing Matt Lauer, who was fired on November 28 amid sexual misconduct allegations. Over the last month, Kotb had been a temporary replacement for Lauer, although she never imagined she could land such a promotion, according to E! News.

Kotb’s colleagues at the Today Show were quick to congratulate her. Her former co-host, Kathie Lee Gifford, tweeted:

So happy for my dear friend @hodakotb !! Congratulations on being named the new Co Anchor of @TODAYshow !! Nobody does it better!!

— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) January 2, 2018

Kotb was also given kind words by her new co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie, who told Kotb this morning on the show that she is “a partner, and a friend, and a sister, and I am so happy to be doing this.” Kotb responded, “Well, there is no one I would rather sit next to in 2018 than you.”

Despite her new position, Kotb will continue to co-host the fourth hour of Today with Gifford.