Jenna Bush Hager sobs as she reads Hoda Kotb a letter during final Today episode

It’s time to say goodbye to Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager’s fourth hour.The friends and co-hosts had their last show on Friday, as Kotb, 60, left the daily live broadcast after 26 years at NBC.“Brought to you by Kleenex,” Bush Hager stated to the live studio audience at the start of the show.In honor of their last show together, Bush Hager read an emotional letter about their time as co-hosts.Kotb’s family and friends were in the audience — including her two daughters Haley 7, and Hope, 5, sister, brother, sister-in-law, nieces and her closest friends.“Dearest Hoda,” she began.

“Five years ….more than 1500 shows … 90,000 hours … 9,000 commercial breaks filled with Shaboozey, Beyoncé and constant laughter and soul affirming conversations.

From Vegas to NOLA (three times!) from Austin to Quebec … to our home — this home Studio 1A, which will always be ours.Mine and yours.”“From a global pandemic … to two maternity leaves! Five children,” she went on.

“I’ll never forget sitting in your dressing room telling you I was pregnant with Hal … then a month later you FaceTimed me introducing me to baby Hope.They were right on time!”She shared what she has learned from Hoda throughout their time as friends, calling the journalist a “hero.” “You have taught me to look really look into the eyes, the hearts of our guest … and listen, really listen! And now, my dearest — you are teaching us the most important lesson of all — how to say goodbye with grace,” she continued, tearing up.

“Viewers have traveled miles, from other states to declare their love on poster board, every single guest has gotten to share their ‘Hoda story.’ How you have made them feel seen, and heard.”“Thank you Hoda for everything you have taught me, everything you’ve given me: all the hugs, all the heart all the laughs, all the love,” Bush Hager concluded.“I will miss you my friend.

But I love you and am so proud! Love always a...