Hoda Kotb Officially Replacing Matt Lauer as Today Co-Anchor

Hoda Kotb has been named the permanent co-anchor of the early hours of Today, the NBC morning show revealed during Tuesday's broadcast. She'll be joining Savannah Guthrie on the 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. hours, as well as continuing to co-host the 10 a.m. hour with Kathie Lee Gifford. Kotb had been filling in for Matt Lauer since Nov. 29 when he was fired for sexual misconduct. Kotb and Guthrie have consistently led the competition in their time together, earning Today higher total viewer numbers now than with Lauer.

"This must be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made," Guthrie said just after introducing Kotb as her new co-anchor.

"I'm pinching myself," Kotb said. "I think that we should send some medics to Alexandria, Virginia, where my mother has likely fainted after hearing the open of that show."

Kotb's other co-anchor, Kathie Lee Gifford, shared well-wishes on Twitter. "So happy for my dear friend @hodakotb !!" she wrote. "Congratulations on being named the new Co Anchor of @TODAYshow !! Nobody does it better!!"

Kotb and Guthrie will be the first female anchoring duo in Today history.