NBC’s"Today"first launched in 1952.
Fellow host Hoda Kotb agreed, adding, “It’s people who feel like family.”
Like any family, “Today” has had its ups and downs over the years.
Anchors have come and gone, in some cases disappearing almost as suddenly as they were hired.
Here’s why these news anchors disappeared from “Today.”
“… or, maybe, I’m stuck with you,” she added.
Couric became a familiar face each morning to millions of viewers.
After 15 years, Couric left"Today"to anchor “CBS Evening News” instead.
“And you’ve been with me during a lot of good times.
And some very difficult ones as well.
And hopefully, I’ve been there for you.”
Unfortunately for Couric and for CBS, her morning-show hype didn’t transfer to nighttime news ratings.
That’s you," she joked, gripping Lauer’s hand tightly.
“you might stay!”
he said in response.
The moment she released his hand, he reached out and touched her.
Lauer, meanwhile, couldn’t help but bring up the show’s frequent turnover.
News, “‘The Today Show’ anchors are currently under contract and firmly in place.”
The anchor confirmed the gossip the following month, announcingon airthat she’d be leaving the show.
And I realized, if I signed up again, I’d be signing up for a paycheck …
I didn’t want to do that."
From politics to pop culture, Willie is a skilled and versatile reporter."
Geist served for several years as the host of the third hour of “Today.”
“That’s not what I read on the internet,” co-host Tamron Hall teased.
“Billy Bush is a good, and an old friend, and a great guy …
The show’s in great hands.”
He was first announced as a member of the cast in May 2016 when weatherman Al Rokertweeteda welcome.
The situation caused tension between Bush and his co-hosts, including Roker.
The two got into anon-air back-and-forth, with Bush telling his co-star to “calm down.”
But just two months later, Bush was out due to scandal.
Bush later said he was upset that “Today” veteran Matt Lauer hadn’t supported him.
“That he didn’t fight for me is so deeply hurtful,” Bush toldMen’s Health.
Lauer’s time on “Today,” of course, would soon come to an end as well.
“Now she’s heading to the anchor desk, as we begin an exciting new era.”
Curry grinned, “I really feel like Cinderella.
Ann Curry, aka Cinderella.”
In 2012, she teared up as she told the audience it would be her final day as anchor.
A staffer toldNew York Magazinethat she was squeezed out of the show because Lauer didn’t like her.
Years later, Curry finally spoke about the situation.
“It hurt like hell,” she toldPeoplein 2018.
Thankfully, despite all the behind-the-scenes drama that followed, Curry treated her firing as a learning experience.
“I’m smarter.
I’m happier, as happy as I’ve ever been,” she said.
“And my compassion has only grown.”
Hall’s departure camewhen the show’s third hour was handed over to former Fox News host Megyn Kelly.
“I’m grateful for that.”
Her nerves melted away, though, as soon as she heard the show’s iconic intro music.
I’m really proud to be a part of the show."
This led to rumors that she was reassigned after having an affair with Matt Lauer.
An insider toldPage Six, “There’s an awkwardness between Matt and Natalie …
He protected her for a long time and now it seems like something has gone awry.”
In 2022, Morales left “Today” to join CBS morning show “The Talk” instead.
“I needed a change,” she toldPeople.
It’s about us for everyone."
“She wants to look like Diana Ross for one day.
He would reportedly use that button to lock women in the room with him.
Co-host Savannah Guthrie announced Lauer’s departure from"Today"on air, expressing her shock.
She planned to go into moviemaking instead.
Onher last day, Gifford asked Kotb why their partnership succeeded.
“I think it’s because of you,” Kotb said warmly.
Gifford answered jokingly, “Yeah, that’s what I think.”
