So long, Hoda Kotb! The “Today” show news anchor is stepping away from the morning talk show. To celebrate a job well done, we’ve rounded up photos of the beloved TV journalist’s life and career through the years.

Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images

Kotb interacts with fans before Keith Urban’s performance on NBC’s “Today” show at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, Oct. 30, 2024. The news anchor announced in 2024 that she would be exiting “Today” in January 2025, calling the decision the “hardest thing in the world.”

KENT EDWARDS, REUTERS

Kotb, left, USA TODAY reporter Erin Jensen and IT Cosmetics co-founder Jamie Kern Lima at a "Today" wellness retreat in Austin, Texas, in October 2024, a month after announcing her exit. Kotb told USA TODAY her decision didn't feel like a risk or loss. "I have everything I want. I have the love of my family. I have wonderful colleagues who will be my friends forever. So I didn't feel like, 'What am I losing?'"
Kotb, left, USA TODAY reporter Erin Jensen and IT Cosmetics co-founder Jamie Kern Lima at a “Today” wellness retreat in Austin, Texas, in October 2024, a month after announcing her exit.

Kotb told USA TODAY her decision didn’t feel like a risk or loss. “I have everything I want. I have the love of my family. I have wonderful colleagues who will be my friends forever. So I didn’t feel like, ‘What am I losing?’”

KELLY BAUCH

Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Kotb and Al Roker attend the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in New York on Dec. 4, 2024.

KENA BETANCUR, AFP Via Getty Images

Kotb takes a moment to hug fan Jonathan Chang, of Weston, during her children’s book signing for “Hope Is A Rainbow” in Palm Beach, Florida, March 9, 2024.

Meghan McCarthy, Meghan McCarthy

Kotb hosts a conversation with her dear friend Maria Shriver at Miraval Austin Resort and Spa, part of a “Today” wellness retreat in Austin, Texas, in October 2024.

Courtesy Of NBCUniversal

From left, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Kotb and Al Roker appear on the "Today" set live from the Paris Olympics, on Aug. 5, 2024.
From left, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Kotb and Al Roker appear on the “Today” set live from the Paris Olympics, on Aug. 5, 2024.

Kristy Sparow Photo/Getty Images

Kotb, at Build Studio in New York City on March 12, 2019, made a very special announcement on “Today” the following month. On April 16, she announced via phone that she had adopted a second baby, a girl named Hope Catherine.

Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images

Physically separated since March by the pandemic, Kotb, along with Guthrie, Roker, Melvin and Carson Daly, recently got back together outdoors (while maintaining social distance) for the launch of “Today All Day” in 2020.

Nathan Congleton, Nathan Congleton / TODAY

Kotb and Guthrie spoke with USA TODAY’s Erin Jensen on a video call in June 2020 to reflect on coronavirus and nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd. “There’s been a light that has sort of been just shining on the shadows of things that needed to be exposed for a long time,” says Kotb. “I feel a wave in the country that I haven’t felt before ever, and it struck me.”

Entertain This!

Kotb gets emotional after Drew Brees’ “Today” interview on coronavirus relief in March.

GETTY

Kotb shares a laugh with JLo while hosting the SiriusXM Town Hall in 2019.

Cindy Ord, Getty Images For SiriusXM

She’s all smiles with co-host Guthrie in the 10 a.m. hour of the “Today” show.

Nathan Congleton/NBC

Following Kathie Lee Gifford’s exit on April 5, 2019, Jenna Bush Hager joined Kotb for a new iteration of the fourth hour of “Today,” “Today With Hoda & Jenna.” The co-hosts offer “A Toast to 2019” on New Year’s Eve.
Cheers! The pair show off their personalized wine glasses on the first day of their new show in 2019.
Cheers! The pair show off their personalized wine glasses on the first day of their new show in 2019.

Nathan Congleton/NBC

Here they are with their game faces for the Super Bowl in 2019.
Here they are with their game faces for the Super Bowl in 2019.

Nathan Congleton/NBC

Kotb took maternity leave from " Today " after announcing on April 16, 2019, that she had adopted a second baby, a girl named Hope Catherine. Kotb visited the show when Thomas Rhett performed on May 31.
Kotb took maternity leave from “Today” after announcing on April 16, 2019, that she had adopted a second baby, a girl named Hope Catherine. Kotb visited the show when Thomas Rhett performed on May 31.

Nathan Congleton/NBC

She and co-anchor Guthrie appeared delighted to see each other and shared an embrace.
She and co-anchor Guthrie appeared delighted to see each other and shared an embrace.

Nathan Congleton/NBC

Kotb, at the Sesame Workshop 2019 Gala, revealed on Aug. 1, 2019, that she has a new book slated for Oct. 15. " I Really Needed This Today " is a collection of motivational quotes and stories, she said in a video shared to Instagram .
Kotb, at the Sesame Workshop 2019 Gala, revealed on Aug. 1, 2019, that she has a new book slated for Oct. 15. “I Really Needed This Today” is a collection of motivational quotes and stories, she said in a video shared to Instagram.

John Lamparski/WireImage

Kotb shared a moment with Gifford while bidding her former colleague adieu on April 5, 2019.
Kotb shared a moment with Gifford while bidding her former colleague adieu on April 5, 2019.

Nathan Congleton/NBC

Can you feel the love this morning? The " Today " host dressed as Elton John for Halloween in 2018.
Can you feel the love this morning? The “Today” host dressed as Elton John for Halloween in 2018.

NBC

Kotb poses on the red carpet at the 2018 Time 100 Gala, alongside Guthrie and Roker.
Kotb poses on the red carpet at the 2018 Time 100 Gala, alongside Guthrie and Roker.

Ben Gabbe, Getty Images For Time

Alongside Jon Pardi, Kotb raises a glass (er, two) onstage at the 2018 CMT Music Awards in Nashville.
Alongside Jon Pardi, Kotb raises a glass (er, two) onstage at the 2018 CMT Music Awards in Nashville.

Mike Coppola, Getty Images For CMT

In June, she hosted a SiriusXM Town Hall with Natalie Portman.
In June, she hosted a SiriusXM Town Hall with Natalie Portman.

Cindy Ord, Getty Images For SiriusXM

In August, she let loose with Guthrie onstage during a Rod Stewart performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
In August, she let loose with Guthrie onstage during a Rod Stewart performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

NBC ' s " Today " show entered the new year by naming a new permanent anchor: Kotb, on Jan. 2, 2018.
NBC’s “Today” show entered the new year by naming a new permanent anchor: Kotb, on Jan. 2, 2018.

Nathan Congleton/NBC

Smile and wave! Kotb and Guthrie pose onstage with Ed Sheeran on the " Today " show in 2017.
Smile and wave! Kotb and Guthrie pose onstage with Ed Sheeran on the “Today” show in 2017.

ANGELA WEISS, AFP/Getty Images

In February 2017, Kotb announced she ' d adopted a daughter, Haley Joy. The little girl made her " Today " debut that May.
In February 2017, Kotb announced she’d adopted a daughter, Haley Joy. The little girl made her “Today” debut that May.

Nathan Congleton/NBC

Kotb had been serving as substitute anchor alongside Guthrie since Nov. 29, 2017, when the network fired longtime host Matt Lauer for inappropriate sexual behavior. Here, the two women hug before going on the air to announce the news.
Kotb had been serving as substitute anchor alongside Guthrie since Nov. 29, 2017, when the network fired longtime host Matt Lauer for inappropriate sexual behavior. Here, the two women hug before going on the air to announce the news.

Drew Angerer

In February 2017, " Today " celebrated the one-year-to-go mark with Winter Olympic hopefuls.
In February 2017, “Today” celebrated the one-year-to-go mark with Winter Olympic hopefuls.

Mike Stobe, Getty Images For The USOC

With a pregnant Guthrie sitting out the 2016 Summer Olympics, Kotb was front and center during " Today " broadcasts from Rio de Janeiro, alongside Roker, Billy Bush and Lauer. Bush was forced out months later after being caught on the infamous " Access Hollywood " tape with Donald Trump and Lauer would follow about a year and a half later.
With a pregnant Guthrie sitting out the 2016 Summer Olympics, Kotb was front and center during “Today” broadcasts from Rio de Janeiro, alongside Roker, Billy Bush and Lauer. Bush was forced out months later after being caught on the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape with Donald Trump and Lauer would follow about a year and a half later.

Joe Scarnici, NBC

In 2014, Kotb paid a visit to the coaches on " The Voice, " just in time to see Adam Levine ' s newly blond hair. (From left: Levine, Shakira, Kotb, Usher and Shelton.)
In 2014, Kotb paid a visit to the coaches on “The Voice,” just in time to see Adam Levine’s newly blond hair. (From left: Levine, Shakira, Kotb, Usher and Shelton.)

Trae Patton, NBC

Yabba dabba doo! Kotb and Gifford quickly joined in on the " Today " show ' s Halloween team costume tradition. Here, the two coordinated Flintstones Halloween costumes in 2013.
Yabba dabba doo! Kotb and Gifford quickly joined in on the “Today” show’s Halloween team costume tradition. Here, the two coordinated Flintstones Halloween costumes in 2013.

Slaven Vlasic, Getty Images

Kotb received on-air birthday greetings from then-boyfriend Jay Blumenkopf in 2011.
Kotb received on-air birthday greetings from then-boyfriend Jay Blumenkopf in 2011.

Peter Kramer/NBC Universal

She and Gifford are seen in the hair and makeup room before their 600th episode of " Today " on July 21, 2010.
She and Gifford are seen in the hair and makeup room before their 600th episode of “Today” on July 21, 2010.

Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Kotb, seen here with Gifford in 2010, has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness since 2007, when she documented her diagnosis and surgery experience on the show.
Kotb, seen here with Gifford in 2010, has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness since 2007, when she documented her diagnosis and surgery experience on the show.

Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Kotb, who worked in New Orleans before joining NBC News in 1998 as a " Dateline " correspondent, returned in September 2005 to cover the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina. Here, she tours New Orleans ' devastated 9th Ward with Police Chief Eddie Compass III, center, and his men.
Kotb, who worked in New Orleans before joining NBC News in 1998 as a “Dateline” correspondent, returned in September 2005 to cover the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina. Here, she tours New Orleans’ devastated 9th Ward with Police Chief Eddie Compass III, center, and his men.

EVAN EILE, USA TODAY

Throwing it back to 2008, Kotb is photographed with Gifford to host the 10 a.m. hour of " Today. "
Throwing it back to 2008, Kotb is photographed with Gifford to host the 10 a.m. hour of “Today.”