Al Roker has admitted he found it hard to “process” the fact his “dear friend” Hoda Kotb is set to leave ‘Today’.
Al Roker has paid a touching tribute to “dear friend” Hoda Kotb after she announced she is leaving ‘Today’ after 17 years.
The 60-year-old broadcaster – who has Haley, seven, and four-year-old Hope with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman – has been an anchor on the NBC programme since 2007 but she made the “painful” decision to leave her role next year to spend more time with her family.
Al, who is currently the Weather anchor on the show, admitted he was gutted to hear the news that his colleague was bidding farewell to the role and praised her for having the “courage” to make the move for her family.
Alongside a series of pictures of the pair together over the years, the 70-year-old broadcaster wrote on Instagram: “It’s taken a little time to process, but I feel nothing but happiness for my dear friend, @hodakotb.
“She has taught me that it’s not about you but the other person. I have known her forever and it has always been about the other person.”
He continued: “From my family, to her mom, sibs, and daughters, to our @todayshow family, Hoda has been about her circle. And that’s why she has the courage to do this. I love you. And, you ain’t going that far, Sis!”
Despite quitting her ‘Today’ job, the presenter won’t be leaving NBC entirely and feels “lucky” to be staying with the network.
She wrote: “Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart.
“I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.”
‘Today’ is filmed in Manhattan but Hoda and her daughters recently moved out to the suburbs, where her daughters can enjoy having more space and their own bedrooms.
She previously explained on the show: “They’re so excited to have their own space.
“They’re excited about a reading chair, they’re excited about having a beanbag chair, and their bed — that kind of stuff.
“It’s all new — new kids, new school, new things, new everything.
“It’s funny because all I could think of was I want my house for the kids to feel warm and cozy and a place where they want to hang. And that’s it.”
Al Roker praises Hoda Kotb for her ‘courage’ to give up Today for family
