- Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected]
Mariska Hargitay is game to 'step in at anytime' as a replacement for Hoda Kotb after the beloved anchor announced her departure from Today.
During an appearance on the show on Tuesday, Hargitay, 60, playfully pitched herself as a potential replacement as she praised Kotb and discussed her decision to leave the show.
'I love you so much,' Hargitay told Kotb, 60. 'And I am so proud and inspired by you and so excited to see you today.
'And I'm so grateful to be able to say that. Because we're 26 years together, baby. And we're 60 years together, baby,' Hargitay said.
The remark was a reference to their age and the years they've spent with the network - Kotb joined NBC News in 1998 while Hargitay's show, Law & Order: SVU, is now entering it's 26th season.
Mariska Hargitay is game to 'step in at anytime' for Hoda Kotb on Today
Hoda recently announced her upcoming departure from Today
'And so, when you made your decision, I said, "Yes!" I said, "Yes!" And my gosh, I grieve for all of us in this country who’s gonna miss you, and most of all,' she said, referencing Kotb's co-host Savannah Guthrie.
'This guy!' Savannah said.
'But! Happy to step in at anytime!' Hargitay jubilantly offered.
Last week Kotb announced that she will be leaving Today early next year.
The long-time anchor, who first joined Dateline NBC in 1998 before ultimately landing her current role as co-anchor, shared the surprising update in a heartfelt message to her 'Today family' live on air on Thursday morning.
Hoda, who has been part of NBC News for 26 years, was immediately moved to tears as she explained to her fellow co-hosts turning 60 had been a 'monumental moment' that made her decide it was time to 'try something new'.
The TV icon - who reportedly earns around $8 million a year - also wrote a letter explaining her 'painful' decision to her colleagues, explaining further that marking her 60th birthday sparked a seismic 'shift' in her life.
'As I write this, my heart is all over the map,' Hoda said. 'I know I'm making the right decision, but it's a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I'm feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it's time for me to leave the show.
'And I'm so grateful to be able to say that. Because we're 26 years together, baby. And we're 60 years together, baby,' Hargitay continued, referencing their age and how they both spent 26 years with the network
The star was on the show promoting season 26 of Law & Order SVU
'Happy to step in at anytime!' Hargitay jubilantly offered
'My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you've been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is nuts. 26 years at NBC News - Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o'clock hour, sixteen on the ten o'clock hour.'
She continued: 'I'm picturing your faces and your families and all the ways you've lifted me up and inspired me. That's my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become some of my most cherished friendships.'
She went on to pay a heart breaking tribute to her 'ride-or-die' Jenna Bush Hager and claimed she will 'desperately' miss everyone she has worked with on the popular morning show.
'Savannah: my rock,' she continued. 'Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY desperately.'
The TV star added that she has been thinking long and hard about the decision as she continued: 'I’ve been weighing this decision for quite a while – Am I truly ready? But, my sixtieth birthday celebration on the Plaza felt like a shift.
Kotb announced last week that she will be leaving the show early next year
During her emotional announcement on Thursdays' show, the star sobbed alongside her co-anchors
'Like a massive, joyful YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly: my broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.
'Because I’ll be working through the beginning of 2025, there’s plenty of time to talk about what's ahead for all of us. But one thing I know for sure right now is this: everything’s going to be just fine. The Peacock’s feathers are never ruffled… no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its amazing people — all of you — never waver. You always weather change with grace and guts.'
She concluded: 'Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.'
During her emotional announcement on Thursdays' show, the star sat holding hands with her co-anchors as she explained how a key part of her decision was down to her young daughters, seven-year-old Haley and five-year-old Hope.
She stated: 'I had my kiddos late in life and I think that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie, we only have an infinite amount of time.'
The teary star apologized for the fact she was crying, admitting that she had been practicing her speech to avoid that outcome.
