The countdown to Hoda Kotb's final days on the beloved Today show has officially commenced. Kotb, at the age of 60, is set to bid adieu to the position she has held for an impressive 17 years on January 10th. In the December 10th episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna, she and co-host Jenna Bush Hager playfully remarked that they are currently in "the depression stage" of her departure.

Emotional Farewell Moments

During a discussion about their upcoming holiday plans, Bush Hager, who is 43 years old, expressed her desire to pay extra attention to Kotb at an upcoming holiday party. She said, "I want to study Hoda at this point and see how she's changed." Kotb found the sentiment sweet and held Bush Hager, responding with, "I love you. I just love you." Bush Hager joked about going through the stages of grief since Kotb announced her plans to leave in September. She mentioned that denial lasted a good month, anger was last week when she tried to make Kotb jealous with Gayle [King], and now she has reached depression.In recent weeks, Kotb experienced her final Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting with the Today show. On Thanksgiving, Cynthia Erivo gave Kotb a bouquet of white flowers to honor her years of work. Erivo, who is 37 years old, said, "Before you even begin, these flowers are for you because I know this is the last Thanksgiving parade you're doing. We love you and thank you for all the hard work." Kotb also shared a sweet moment with co-host Savannah Guthrie at the tree lighting when they stood arm in arm and Guthrie, 52 years old, leaned her head against Kotb's shoulder.

The Next Chapter

NBC announced on November 14th that Craig Melvin will be replacing Kotb after she steps away next month. Melvin, who is 45 years old, currently hosts the third hour of Today along with Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer. He will move to hosting three hours in a row starting on Monday, January 13th. Bush Hager admitted on the Tuesday, December 3rd episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna that she had teased Kotb about having journalist Gayle King take her spot. She referred to King, who is 69 years old, as her "bestie" and said, "There's a seat open." Kotb responded with, "My seat isn't even cold yet!" Bush Hager continued to tease, saying, "Gayle & Jenna has a beautiful ring to it."Kotb has shared that she would like to stay involved with NBC even after leaving Today. In a letter to staff, she wrote, "I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I've been lucky enough to hold close to my heart. I'll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine."Today airs weekday mornings on NBC (check local listings), and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Hoda Kotb's career.