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CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER with Hoda Kotb and Al Roker on the Today Show© Getty Images

Hoda Kotb and Al Roker leave Today studio mid-show for emotional reason

The NBC News hosts were replaced by Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer

Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
May 8, 2023
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Hoda Kotb and Al Roker are a familiar source of stability for viewers of the Today Show each morning, although that changed when both stepped away from the studio mid-show.

In the first half hour of Monday's show, Savannah Guthrie revealed that Sheinelle Jones would be joining her and Craig Melvin on the desk for the rest of the show, with Dylan Dreyer taking over for the weather.

"Something special is happening as we speak," the 51-year-old teased as the camera then included a shot of her two co-hosts outside the Today lot near waiting vans.

VIDEO: Dylan Dreyer, Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones soak up the sun in Sonoma

"They're hitting the road for a good reason!" she revealed, then panning over to the two who excitedly shared that in honor of National Nurses Week, they would be heading out to honor some of the healthcare professionals.

"We are going to show our appreciation for the nurses at a couple of area hospitals," she said, with Al adding: "In fact we're going to deliver big in-person thank yous to the hundreds of nurses who shine day in and day out."

MORE: Today's Savannah Guthrie's multi-million net worth compared to Hoda Kotb, Dylan Dreyer, Al Roker, and more – who's on top?

The two then got incredibly hyped out with 58-year-old Hoda waving goodbye to her hosts and saying: "We love y'all, but we're busy," and Al, 68, whooped his way into a waiting vehicle as they kicked off their trip.

Savannah quipped that it was literally like "sending sunshine their way," with Craig later joking: "Imagine you're at work and you see Hoda Kotb and Al Roker show up," and there was nothing but positivity to go around.

When the segment began later in the show, Hoda shared that it was part of their ongoing initiative titled "TODAY's Heroes," sharing in the joy of all the cheering healthcare workers behind her as she and Al visited two local hospitals in New York City.

MORE: Today's Hoda Kotb and co-hosts prepare for major show shake-up – and it's happening so soon

MORE: Today's Willie Geist spills the beans on how much The Morning Show mirrors the drama on Today

Hoda even orchestrated an emotional reunion between a group of nurses and one of the patients they cared for, a newborn and her parents who were separated for 130 days when she was born prematurely.

Al meanwhile shared the stories of two specific nurses who had fought through the odds in their professions, including one who had been diagnosed with breast cancer while continuing to care for her patients.

This would be a particular tear-jerker of a moment for Hoda, who dealt with a bout of breast cancer herself and a resulting mastectomy, which has been open about.

Speaking with co-anchor Jenna Bush Hager on the Fourth Hour of Today last year of her changing body, she stated: "You don’t realize how long the journey is.

MORE: Jenna Bush Hager on weird wedding night advice mom Laura Bush gave her

"I remember really clearly, after my cancer surgery – I did a surgery where it was a mastectomy, but they also did a hip-to-hip incision to do some moving things around – but anyway, I remember, afterwards, having to get washed in the hospital."

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on the Today Show© Getty Images
Hoda opened up to Jenna about her struggles with body image post-mastectomy

She continued: "I hadn't seen (the scarring), because I just hadn't looked at it. A nurse came in to help me and she stood me in front of the mirror, and I was horrified."

MORE: Dylan Dreyer's career move away from Today pays off as she thanks fans for their support

"You know when you look, and you're like, 'That's me now?! Like, this is the body for the rest of my life that's going to carry me through?'" she continued. "You don’t see it as: The cancer is gone. Right then, that moment, you see it as this horrible thing."

Check out more photos of the Today Show hosts in their element below: 

The Today team on NBC News© Getty Images
Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on Tuesday, March 28, 2023© Getty Images
Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker © Getty Images
Savannah Guthrie and Michael Feldman with their kids Vale and Charley© Getty Images
Al Roker getting surprised by his Today Show colleagues outside of his home with Christmas carols© Getty Images

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