Hoda Kotb officially replaces Matt Lauer as Today co-anchor

People

NBC News made the pairing official this morning, announcing that Kotb will join Savannah Guthrie as Today co-anchor — while continuing to co-host the fourth hour of Today with Kathie Lee Gifford. The announcement comes after Today maintained a ratings lead among morning shows with Kotb filling in as co-anchor after Lauer was fired for sexual misconduct on Nov. 29. “When you click with someone, man, woman, it doesn’t matter. If it works, it works,” Kotb says of her synergy with Guthrie. “We’re sort of like sisters, and everybody wants a sister.” NBC News chairman Andy Lack added in a statement: “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.” ALSO: Matt Lauer turned 60 this past Saturday.