NBC has announced that Hoda Kotb will assume the position as permanent co-host on The Today Show after Matt Lauer's very public firing back in November. Kotb has assumed her position on the daily news show after reports began to surface alleging Lauer of sexual assault; Kotb has effectively been filling in as temporary co-host since the former anchor's abrupt departure.
Talking to People, NBC News Group chairman Andy Lack notes how "We're very fortunate to have someone like Hoda who brings immense talent and tremendous positive energy, and then on top of that happens to have wonderful chemistry with Savannah."
Kotb's has had a long history with NBC, as she appeared as a correspondent on the network's popular Dateline as early as 1998.
This announcement marks the first time The Today Show has been lead by two female anchors, and Guthrie could not be any more excited about this appointment, posting a selfie to Instagram featuring the newest face of morning news.
Kotb has been public about her experiences with inequality in the workplace, revealing the rejection and adversity she felt throughout the early phases of her career. However, her persistence and positive attitude eventually lead to this position of a lifetime on one of the most-watched news programs in America.