At the Rockefeller Center tree lighting this year, emotions ran high. As is customary, the Today show team was present to host the annual event. Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin all bundled up under 30 Rock to kick off the holiday season. There was a delightful mix of singing, dancing, and holiday cheer. However, there was also a certain heaviness in the air that viewers couldn't ignore, as Kotb and her colleagues were savoring what would be her final time hosting the special.

Emotional Moments at the Tree Lighting

In a touching video shared by the Today show on Instagram, Guthrie, 52, and Kotb, 60, stood side by side as snowflakes gently fell. The emotions of the night seemed to overwhelm Kotb as she looked at her long-time co-host with love. Guthrie leaned her head against Kotb's shoulder, and they shared a precious moment.Since Kotb announced her departure from Today in September, there have been numerous emotional moments on the show. Wednesday's tree lighting has now become another significant one. On Thanksgiving, Cynthia Erivo helped mark Kotb's final time hosting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Erivo, 37, presented Kotb with a beautiful bouquet of white flowers to honor her years of work. "Before you even start, yes, these flowers are for you because I know this is the last Thanksgiving parade you're doing," Erivo told her as Kotb became emotional. "I wanted to celebrate that and say we love you. Thank you for all the hard work you've done over the years."

The Final Hosting Days

There are several more significant events to come. Kotb's last day hosting will be Friday, Jan. 10, and Melvin will take on her role as co-host alongside Guthrie starting on Monday, Jan. 13. During the on-air announcement on Nov. 14, Kotb said to Melvin, 45, "You are made for this job. You are literally made for this job. You have all the qualities that this job requires. You are the right person for it." Melvin then returned the compliment, telling Kotb, "It means a lot to inherit this from you. You helped save the show, and to be able to sit next to someone I knew was smart for years and suddenly start working with her and realize she's also funny!"The Rockefeller Center tree lighting has become a stage for these emotional farewells and transitions. It marks the end of an era for Kotb and the beginning of a new chapter for Melvin. As the holiday season continues, these memories will linger, reminding us of the power of emotions and the importance of saying goodbye.