Hoda Kotb Tearfully Reunites with the Family of a Woman Who Died of Breast Cancer and Whom theTodayAnchor Developed a Special Bond

Savannah Ludwig, Hoda Kotb, Aubrey and Jason Ludwig on Jan. 7, 2025 in New York City.Photo:NBC NBC On Tuesday, Jan. 7, during Kotb’s last week titled“Hoda-bration,”the 60-year-old was reunited with the Ludwig family. Jason and his two daughters, Savannah and Aubrey, first met Kotb in 2016 after Kotb forged a special bond with the girls’ late mother, Erin. Erin and Kotb connected when they shared their separate breast cancer journeys with one another.

Hoda Kotb Turns off Morning Alarm AfterTodayExit as She Tells Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin ‘I’m Rooting for You’

Hoda Kotb.Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Hoda Kotbis no longer an early riser! On Sunday, Jan. 12, Kotb, 60, posted ascreenshoton Instagram of her morning alarms turned off following her departure fromTodayafter 17 years. “No alarm … whaaaaaaaattttt???” the former co-anchor wrote in the caption after exiting the show on Friday, Jan. 10. The screenshot showed “No alarm” written at the top for the next morning and three alarms previously set from 3:00 a.

Hoda Kotb's 11 Most Memorable Moments onToday

Hoda Kotb with Haley Joy, Hoda Kotb as Yoda and Hoda Kotb during the 2016 Summer Olympics.Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank;Joe Scarnici/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank;Joe Scarnici/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank Hoda Kotbwill be missed onToday— but she’s left viewers with lasting memories.In September 2024, the news anchorannounced her exitfromTodayin a heartfelt letter to the show’s cast and crew. She explained that herdaughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, deserve more of her time as they grow up.

Hoda Kotb's Daughters Hope and Haley Get Serenaded by Kermit the Frog as They Join Mom on FinalTodayBroadcast

Hoda Kotb and her daughter with Kermit the Frog.Photo:NBC NBC Hoda Kotb’sdaughters joined their mom for a special surprise as the journalist rounded out her lastTodaybroadcast. As she listened to the song, Kotb got emotional, mouthing, “Oh my God.” At the end, all theTodayanchors joined in to help sing the iconic tune. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Hoda Kotb Says Breast Cancer Is ‘Part of Me, but Not All of Me’ Nearly 20 Years Later: ‘I’m Different Now’ (Exclusive)

Hoda Kotb on November 29, 2023.Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty ForHoda Kotb, breast cancer is something she never saw coming. On Thursday, Feb. 27, the newly retiredTodayhost spoke to PEOPLE while attending theRunway for Recoveryevent honoring breast cancer survivors. The 60-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 years ago after discovering a lump. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in March 2007. Kotb, who has remained cancer-free in the years since, recalls just how shocking the diagnosis was to hear.