It’s been just over a month since Hoda Kotb bid farewell to the Today show after 17 years,
and while the morning news program has adjusted to the change, her absence is still strongly felt by her co-hosts.
Currently, Today is helmed by Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, alongside other familiar faces like Carson Daly, Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Willie Geist,
who step in for various segments. However, during a recent broadcast, Guthrie couldn’t help but comment on the noticeable shift in the studio’s dynamic without Kotb.
Missing the ‘Lady Energy’ on Today
On a recent episode of Today, Carson Daly led the Pop Start segment, sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of F1,
an upcoming sports action drama centered on the world of Formula One racing.
The film stars Brad Pitt, Kerry Condon, and Damson Idris and is produced by racing legend Lewis Hamilton.
As Daly, Al Roker, and Willie Geist—who was filling in for Craig Melvin—enthusiastically discussed the film and their excitement about seeing real-world Formula One action depicted on the big screen, Guthrie interjected with a lighthearted remark.
“Can I tell you, I’m really missing some lady energy right now,” she quipped, referencing the all-male discussion panel and the absence of her longtime co-host, Hoda Kotb.
Finding a New Conversation—Brad Pitt
As Guthrie playfully expressed her need for female camaraderie, she turned to Jenna Bush Hager, who was preparing for her Morning Boost segment. The two quickly found common ground on a different topic—Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt.
“Brad Pitt, can we just talk about him?” Guthrie gushed. Hager eagerly agreed, responding, “[Brad] never looked better.”
The male hosts, including Daly and Roker, attempted to redirect the conversation back to the film itself. “He’s more than just man meat, Savannah,” Daly jokingly retorted. Guthrie, however, was undeterred, playfully reaffirming her stance. “Jenna, are you with me, queen?” she asked, to which Hager enthusiastically responded, “I’m with you, 100%!”
Despite the lighthearted banter, Daly managed to wrap up the segment with a compromise: “F1 hits theaters this summer—whether you want to go for Brad Pitt or the cinematography, there’s something for everybody.”
Hoda’s Life After Today
Although Kotb has moved on from her long-standing role at Today, she remains closely connected with her former colleagues. Since her departure, Kotb has relocated to the suburbs to provide a more serene upbringing for her two young daughters. However, she hasn’t completely left her Today family behind.
Over the recent holiday weekend, Kotb was vacationing in Palm Beach, Florida, where she unexpectedly ran into Savannah Guthrie. Guthrie excitedly shared their impromptu reunion on social media, posting a sunny selfie with the caption: “Oh and a bonus @hodakotb sighting for a little extra [sun].”
This wasn’t the only recent get-together between Kotb and her former Today co-stars. Just weeks after stepping away from the show, she joined Guthrie and Hager for a night out. Guthrie posted another heartwarming selfie from their gathering, captioning it: “Reunited—but never really apart.”
A New Chapter for Today—and Hoda
While Today continues to evolve with its current lineup, Kotb’s absence is undeniable. Her warmth, humor, and camaraderie with her co-hosts left an indelible mark on the show, and her presence is clearly missed. However, as she embarks on this new chapter of her life, her bond with the Today team remains strong.
Whether she’s bumping into former co-hosts on vacation or catching up over dinner, Kotb’s legacy at Today isn’t fading anytime soon. And as Guthrie’s on-air comment proved, her former colleagues still feel the void she left behind.
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