The countdown to Hoda Kotb’s final days on Today The show has started.

Kotb, 60, will say goodbye to her 17-year gig on Jan. 10 and the Dec. 10 episode Today with Hoda & JennaShe and co-host Jenna Bush Hager joked that they were in the “depression phase” after the mother of two’s departure.

The two broke down in tears as they discussed their upcoming holiday plans, which began with Bush Hager, 43, saying she wanted to give Kotb special attention at an upcoming Christmas party they would both be attending because of Kotb’s impending exit.

“I am in the phase of loss that Hoda calls studying,” Bush Hager said. “I’m currently studying Hoda and I’d like to examine your behavior tonight and see how you’ve changed.”

Kotb found the sentiment sweet and captured Bush Hager: “I love you. I just love you.”

Bush Hager joked that she has gone through periods of grief since Kotb announced her plans to leave the country Today show in September. “The rejection took a good month. Anger was last week when I tried to make you jealous of Gayle (King),” she said. “I have negotiated with God virtually every night for the past few months. And now I’ve become depressed where she says something and (I cry).”

NBC announced on November 14 that Craig Melvin will replace Kotb after she steps down next month. Melvin, 45, is currently hosting the third hour of Today alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer and will host three consecutive hours starting 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, who co-hosts the NBC morning show, with her CBS Mornings, take her place. The Sisters first The author called King, 69, her “best,” and Bush Hager told King, “There’s still one spot left.”

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“My seat isn’t even cold!” Kotb replied.

However, Bush Hager continued to push for it. “Gayle & Jenna has a beautiful sound,” she continued. “I’m just kidding.”

In recent weeks, Kotb witnessed her final Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting Today show.

On Thanksgiving, Cynthia Erivo gave Kotb a 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, 37, told her as Kotb became emotional. “I wanted to celebrate and say we love you. Thank you for all the hard work you have done over the years.”

Kotb shared a lovely moment with co-host Savannah Guthrie at the tree lighting as they stood arm in arm and watched snowflakes fall while Guthrie, 52, leaned her head on Kotb’s shoulder.

The Hope is a rainbow The author said at the time of her announcement that she would like to remain at NBC even after she leaves Today.

“I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I have ever had the honor of holding close to my heart,” she wrote in a letter to employees. “I’ll be there. How could I not? Family is family and you will always be a part of me.”

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Today airs weekday mornings on NBC (see local broadcasts).