Hoda Kotb will be the permanent replacement for Matt Lauer as co-anchor of "Today," NBC News chairman Andy Lack announced Tuesday.
Kotb, who has been co-hosting the fourth hour of the "Today" show for nearly a decade, will be anchoring the two-hour morning news show alongside Savannah Guthrie, Axios reported.
Lack sent a memo to NBC staff about the announcement, where he called Kotb a "remarkable" individual:
I'm proud to share the news with you that Hoda Kotb will become co-anchor of TODAY, joining the inimitable Savannah Guthrie. Our new anchor team will officially make their on-air debut this morning.
Over the past several weeks, Hoda has seamlessly stepped into the co-anchor role alongside Savannah, and the two have quickly hit the ground running. They have an undeniable connection with each other and most importantly, with viewers, a hallmark of TODAY.
Hoda is, in a word, remarkable. She has the rare ability to share authentic and heartfelt moments in even the most difficult news circumstances. It's a tribute to her wide range and her innate curiosity.
Lack also praised Guthrie as one of the "best and most uncompromising interviewers" in the news business.
"Her unique credibility spans politics and pop culture and everything in between. On top of all that, we've been lucky enough to watch and delight in her joy as she has built her own family, all while becoming the center of TODAY's. She's been a rock for our organization in tough times, and we are grateful," he concluded.
Lauer was fired by NBC at the end of November for "inappropriate sexual behavior" in the workplace.
"Matt Lauer has been terminated from NBC News. On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. As a result, we’ve decided to terminate his employment," NBC's Twitter account said at the time.
Matt Lauer has been terminated from NBC News. On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. As a result, we’ve decided to terminate his employment. pic.twitter.com/1A3UAZpvPb
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 29, 2017