With Hoda Kotb set to take her depart from Immediately early on the 2025 TV schedule, this yr’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featured one massive “final” for her and the remainder of NBC’s crew. The truth that it was her closing time overlaying the parade wasn’t misplaced on Depraved star Cynthia Erivo, who joined Kotb, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie for a section to advertise her film. The actress paid tribute to the long-time morning present host, and I’m so touched by her candy gesture.
The parade route might have been wet — in a manner reflecting the temper of Hoda Kotb’s followers after she introduced her impending exit — however you’d by no means realize it wanting on the NBC stalwart’s infectious smile as she co-hosted the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside a number of of her Immediately present colleagues. They welcomed Cynthia Erivo to speak about Depraved’s field office-topping efficiency, however earlier than moving into the film, Erivo insisted on paying tribute to Kotb, saying:
Earlier than you even start, these flowers are for you as a result of I do know that that is the final Thanksgiving parade you’re doing. I needed to rejoice that and I needed to say we love you. Thanks for all of the exhausting work you’ve accomplished all of those years.
Cynthia Erivo handed Hoda Kotb a big bouquet of white flowers, inflicting the host to grow to be emotional, as they every mentioned they cherished one another “to the moon and again.” It was such a candy second between the 2, and you’ll see how excited Kotb nonetheless was once they posed for the picture beneath:
Visitors who’re interviewed by the Immediately anchors are definitely not anticipated to return bearing presents, and the aim of this interview was to rejoice Cynthia Erivo and encourage extra folks to see her and Ariana Grande’s movie. It was so beneficiant of her to make use of a part of her time to show the highlight on Hoda Kotb, and I love Erivo much more now for that beautiful second.
Hoda Kotb has mentioned that after her Immediately exit she’ll nonetheless stay at NBC in some capability, but it surely doesn’t appear to be the Macy’s parade will amongst her tasks going ahead. That does make sense, given her motivation to spend extra time together with her daughters. I’m positive Kotb needs to be with them on future holidays and never broadcasting from the chilly streets of New York Metropolis.
Maybe subsequent November we’ll see Craig Melvin taking up that seat as effectively, as he’s been chosen to switch Hoda Kotb on Immediately’s first hour, co-hosting with Savannah Guthrie. He’s reportedly getting a fairly good pay bump for his new gig, and whereas he may even stay on the NBC morning present’s third hour, he is not going to be becoming a member of Jenna Bush Hager within the fourth hour. That section can be rebranded as Jenna & Associates and see a rotation of second hosts.
These massive modifications are coming quickly, however to not fear — we’ve nonetheless acquired Hoda Kotb for the entire month of December. Her closing day is Friday, January 10, with Craig Melvin set to take over Monday, January 13. Tune in to NBC to see the transition, and likewise be sure you catch Cynthia Erivo in Depraved, which is in theaters now.