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Hoda Kotb Takes Matt Lauer's Spot On Today

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By Emily Surpless/

Congratulations to the TV journalist!

On Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, Hoda Kotb made her debut as the co-anchor of NBC's Today show. After welcoming viewers as they tuned into the morning news program, Savannah Guthrie announced Kotb to be the new co-anchor of the show. "It's 2018, and we are kicking off the year right because Hoda is officially the co-anchor of Today," Guthrie began. "This has to be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made, and I am so thrilled."

"I'm pinching myself," replied Kotb, who will appear on the cover of People magazine with Guthrie to celebrate the big news. She joked, "I think we should send some medics to Alexandria, Va., where my mom has likely fainted after hearing the open of that show."

Kotb is taking over Matt Lauer's former spot on the show. As Nicki Swift previously reported, Lauer was canned from his Today show gig in late November 2017 after a female colleague filed a complaint against him regarding sexual harassment at work. Since then, a number of women have come forward, citing inappropriate sexual behavior from the once-popular TV star (via Variety).

Kotb previously joined Guthrie when the Today show announced that Lauer had been terminated from NBC News.

For fans of Kotb that have enjoyed seeing her drink wine with Kathie Lee Gifford at 10 a.m., don't worry. The new mom will still be enjoying a morning buzz with her pal Gifford. "A girl needs to drink," Kotb explained.

Congrats against to Kotb!

While we wait to find out how Kotb handles her new job, read all about the truth behind Lauer's firing.

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