The 'Freaky Friday' star gushed over Kotb, thanking her 'for being such a shining example to all of us of what’s really important.'

Today gave departing co-host a sendoff to Hoda Kotb, with tributes and messages that ran throughout the first two hours, and even the appearance of Kermit the Frog to sing “Rainbow Connection.” Kotb announced last year that she was stepping down as co-host of the show.

Hoda Kotb, who Is departing NBC's flagship morning news program after more than 17 years. The celebration - or rather, "Hoda-bration" - began during Today's 8 am hour, when Kotb was joined by Al Roker,

The stars came out for Hoda Kotb's final 'Today' show, as the journalist was surprised with messages from Oprah Winfrey and Jamie Lee Curtis as well as the arrival of friends like Simone Biles and Kermit the Frog.

The celebration peaked with a special (and emotional) installment of Today With Hoda & Jenna, where Kotb and her co-host Jenna Bush Hager welcomed guests like Gayle King and Jimmy Fallon for the big goodbye.

Kotb joined NBC in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline. In 2007, she became co-host of the fourth hour of Today, which is now known as Today with Hoda and Jenna. Kotb and Savannah Guthrie have co-anchored Today since 2018, marking the show’s first all-female anchor team.

Hoda Kotb got a starry sendoff from fans and famous friends alike on her final “Today” show broadcast after 17 years on the NBC morning staple.

Hoda Kotb signed off the "Today" show Friday with the assist of some of the biggest names in broadcast, music and sports.

From Simone Biles to Jamie Lee Curtis, here's a guide to the best celebrity moments from Friday's broadcast. Final show recap:Hoda Kotb bids tearful 'Today' show farewell Need a break? Play the ...

Following a clip package titled “Hoda’s Heart of Gold,” Kotb broke down in tears and thanked each ... Kotb with a pair of pre-taped messages. The first came from Jamie Lee Curtis, who intended to be there in person to surprise Kotb, but returned ...

Jamie Lee Curtis is joining the "Hoda-bration!" Earlier today, the Freaky Friday star surprised Hoda Kotb with a special appearance and custom gift made to honor her decades-long career with NBC.