Let's face it, folks—Kathie Lee Gifford's departure from the Today show has left a lot of us feeling a little down. Her co-host, the ever-charming Hoda Kotb, recently opened up about just how much Kathie Lee has meant to her in a heartfelt interview on The Tonight Show. It's like losing a family member, and Hoda made it clear that Kathie Lee's influence has been nothing short of life-changing.

Hoda Kotb Shares Personal Reflections

Hoda Kotb, the 54-year-old powerhouse who usually teams up with her Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, found herself solo on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on February 20. Savannah was under the weather, so Hoda took the opportunity to share some touching words about her soon-to-be-former co-host, Kathie Lee Gifford. At 65, Kathie Lee is set to leave the morning show in April, and Hoda made sure to express her gratitude for the 11 years they spent together. "You don’t get to sit next to a television legend in your lifetime," Hoda said. "Kathie Lee is a real legend, and our time together has been nothing short of a blast."

A Journey of Personal Growth

Hoda didn’t stop there. She went on to share how Kathie Lee’s presence in her life has been a catalyst for so many positive changes. "I told Kathie the other day, it's funny how every good thing in my life seems to have happened after we met," she explained. "I got to speak at an event because I worked with Kathie, and guess what? That's where I met my boyfriend, Joel Schiffman. Because of Joel, we adopted my daughter, Haley. It’s like a domino effect, and I feel like all these amazing dreams I’ve lived came true after meeting her. It’s truly remarkable."

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What’s Next for Today?

Jimmy Fallon, ever the supportive host, reassured Hoda by saying, "The best part is that you’re not going anywhere." That brought a wave of relief to the audience, but it’s still unclear who will step into Kathie Lee’s shoes. NBC is reportedly looking within their ranks for a replacement, considering names like Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer. "NBC execs are looking to hire from within. They don’t want to make another mistake like Megyn Kelly," an insider told Life & Style. "Kathie Lee likes Jenna, but producers are looking for someone who can laugh and joke with Hoda."

For now, we've still got a few weeks to enjoy Kathie Lee’s delightful presence on Today. Let’s cherish these moments because once she’s gone, it’s going to feel like a piece of our morning routine is missing. So, here’s to Kathie Lee—thank you for the laughter, the joy, and the unforgettable memories!