Matt Lauer Congratulated Hoda Kotb on Her ‘Today’ Promotion: “It Was Really Nice!”

There’s no bad blood between Hoda Kotb and Matt Lauer! On Jan. 2, it was announced that the 52-year-old TV host would also take over the role of co-host on the Today show following the firing of Matt Lauer. Hoda explained to E! News that she received a bunch of congratulatory texts including one from the former anchor.

“He was sweet this morning. Certain texts popped up, and there was one from Matt: ‘Congratulations!'” she said. “And he said some nice words. It meant the world to me to hear from him. It was really nice.”

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Hoda will co-host alongside Savannah Guthrie for two hours a day in the morning beginning at 7 a.m., and will also continue to co-host with Kathie Lee Gifford during the fourth hour of the morning show. Shortly after Hoda’s promotion was announced, Kathie Lee even admitted that Matt would have been extremely proud of her.

“The whole thing with Matt is not something we want to get into,” she said. “We love this man and we are heartbroken about him being gone. Our sense of joy is tempered by our sense of loss. The best way to say it is that it’s a bit bittersweet. Nobody wants to profit off of someone’s pain. But this is reality. It’s a business, and someone has to move on. Matt would be the first to congratulate her and wish her well.”

We’re sure Hoda is feeling happier than ever! Not only will she be able to spend more time with America every morning, but she’s also enjoying being a first-time mother to her daughter, Haley.

“Haley is the light of both their lives and Hoda would love for her to have a sibling,” a pal revealed. “Hoda’s a great reporter, but motherhood is definitely her calling.” So sweet!