It’s the end of an era as Hoda Kotb was signed off Today Co-anchor and Hoda and Jenna Co-host. There was no shortage of sweet moments in the four hours of television, with a brief introduction announcing the verdict of “unconditional dismissal” of President-elect Donald Trump.

While there was plenty of news to share on Kotb’s last day — the Los Angeles County fires, Jimmy Carter’s funeral — it was also a “Hoda-bration,” as NBC called their week-long farewell. There were montages, tributes from colleagues, tributes from celebrities and lots of tears.

As the newscast began Friday morning, co-anchor Savannah Guthrie teased that the day would be about “celebrating everything everyone loves about Hoda, full of special surprises and lots of joy.”

The female presenting team – the first ever on the show – held hands as Kotb, wearing a white pantsuit, said: “One last time. Let’s do this.”

Kotb revealed in a behind-the-scenes video that Guthrie – who wore black for the occasion – gave her a bracelet that read “With You” in cursive, as well as a ring that read “Love.” She said, “I feel loved and held.”

Every member of the Today The team paid tribute to Kotb in a video. Guthrie, who said Kotb was “like a sister to me,” said, “I love you with all my heart. “I always tell you: whether you sit next to me or not, whether we get up at 4 a.m. or not, you “You will always be by my side.”

Al Roker spoke about his health fear of death in 2022 when Kotb visited him in the hospital almost every day – so often she could have been mistaken for a female doctor.

Craig Melvin, Kotb’s successor, said: “Hoda doesn’t do interviews. She has conversations where she looks into your soul.” He talked about how encouraging she was to him. (Kotb wished him good luck on Monday when he takes over, joking that she won’t be watching because she’ll be sleeping in.)

Carson Daly talked about Kotb’s good energy, how she’s always singing and dancing on set, and he dedicated “All My Love” by Coldplay to her.

Keith Morrison, who worked with Kotb Dateline Early in her 26-year career at NBC News, she talked about mentoring her as she learned to tell stories. He said: “We will miss our Hoda.”

NBC correspondent Maria Shriver was on hand to discuss Kotb’s next professional move: starting a wellness company. Shriver told her, “You were made for this…You’re going to help people come alive.”

Kotb, a breast cancer survivor, is known for her good energy and sharing inspirational quotes on her Instagram. The team said they added the “Morning Boost” segment, an uplifting story that airs after a series of tough news stories. Kotb said Jenna Bush Hager will take over the “Boost” and hand it over to her Hoda and Jenna Co-host of a metal rod commemorating the transition.

The fans on the pitch were ready to say goodbye to Kotb. There was a large crowd with placards and glasses that said “Hoda.” Kotb joked that a security guard outside told her, “Next time you retire, do it in July,” since it was a particularly cold week in New York.

There were a slew of celebrity tributes, from Olympic gymnast Simone Biles appearing in person to pre-recorded tributes from Oprah Winfrey and Kristin Chenoweth. Jamie Lee Curtis also had a bauble made for Kotb that read, “Every today with you is a better day.”

Kotb said her decision to leave was made in the context of her two young daughters, Haley and Hope, both showing up. They said they were excited that their mother would be home Monday morning to take them to school.

The mother and daughters were joined by Kermit the Frog, who sang “Rainbow Connection,” the song Kotb sings to her girls every night. Kotb became emotional when she heard it, especially when her colleagues joined in.

Other family members who supported Kotb on her final day included her sister, brother, sister-in-law and nieces. She said her mother Sameha, who had supported her over the years as a working mother by taking the children to school, was “at home watching” after previously making several long trips from the suburbs to the Kotb had moved to New York City for the summer.

The 8 a.m. hour ended on the court with everyone wearing their purple hats and Kotb thanking “every person who came out here.” I read your cards. I got your bracelets. I got the scarves you crocheted. I have read the texts. I got everything. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said. “I love you.”

The celebration picked up later Hoda and Jenna At 10 a.m., Bush Hager began by saying that their last show together would be “a love letter” to Kotb, and the woman of the hour replied, “I think I’m ready.”

They talked about letting the emotions flow and not trying to stop them. Bush Hager joked that the show was “presented by Kleenex.”

Kotb debuted on Fourth Hour in 2007 and began co-hosting with Kathie Lee Gifford in 2008. The current presenting team of the more light-hearted lifestyle show began in 2019 after Gifford left.

The presenter’s daughters and other family members were present again. She also invited her best friends and new mom friends from her Westchester County town.

Kotb’s mother and head cheerleader recorded a tribute, telling her daughter, “I’m proud of you and I’m sure you’ll do a great job later.”

Bush Hager announced that the winner of a “Hoda lookalike contest” was the first guest, and it turned out to be her famous lookalike Gayle King CBS Morning.

“I’m so happy that (Hoda) is doing this on her own terms,” King said of Kotb’s decision to leave Today.

A love letter Bush Hager wrote to her co-host was partially interrupted by Trump messages, but she praised Kotb, saying, “Thank you, Hoda, for everything you’ve taught me, everything you’ve given me.” All the hugs.” With all my heart, with all my laughter, with all my love, I will miss you, my friend, but I love you and I am so proud.

The Today The show team — Guthrie, Melvin, Roker and all — seemed to embrace Kotb. The Tonight ShowJimmy Fallon stopped by to give her a gift – an NBC elevator rug. Singer Walker Hayes appeared to perform the song “Wednesdays.”

A fun surprise was Gifford sending a video message to her “dear Hoda wife” from Tennessee saying she was sorry she couldn’t make it but hoped Kotb felt the love. Gifford then performed and danced live. She serenaded her 11-year-old former co-host with “The Best Is Yet to Come.” Of course, there was wine and a toast, with Gifford saying, “May you enter the most joyful, prosperous and meaningful time of your life with the precious daughters I have seen come into your lives.” However, Gifford added that she had no ” I no longer drink pure wine, but only spritzers.

Kotb shared her own love letter with viewers at the end of the show. She thanked the viewers for their years of support and reflected on unforgettable moments. She also shared personal highlights, including being able to share on television how she adopted her daughters. She also discussed her friendships with co-hosts Gifford and Bush Hager.

“As I sit here today, in my final moments on this final day, in this chapter of my career, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the ride of my life.”

The show – and Kotbs Today term – ended with her cheering on the team behind the show, led by executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones, as they joined her on stage. She said they picked her up every day. Haley and Hope ran towards her as she said her final goodbyes with Bush Hager by her side.

Your last words? Telling people to tune in Jenna & friends on Monday and saying goodbye with: “We love you!”

Updated January 10 at 11:35 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to reflect new details about Hoda Kotb’s final day Today.