Savannah Guthrie Welcomes "Partner and Friend" Hoda Kotb as Her New Today Co-Anchor, Replacing Matt Lauer

The new year brings a big new job for Hoda Kotb. The television personality has replaced Matt Lauer as the co-host of NBC's Today and will anchor the two-hour morning broadcast alongside Savannah Guthrie. Kotb's appointment makes history, as it marks the first time that the show has been hosted by two women. 

Guthrie announced the big news on the January 2 broadcast of Today. "We are kicking off the year right because Hoda is officially the co-anchor of Today, so let’s give her a round of applause,” she said. “This has to be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made and I am so thrilled.” Guthrie later called Kotb "a partner and a friend."

Kotb herself seemed equally excited, telling the audience, "I am pinching myself. I think we should send some medics to Alexandria, Virginia, where my mom has likely fainted after hearing the open of that show.”

The news comes after Kotb had been co-hosting Today in a temporary capacity for weeks. After Lauer was dismissed from the morning show in late November amid allegations of sexual misconduct, Kotb stepped in to fill his role. Kotb shared that Lauer texted her Tuesday morning to say congratulations and that he "said some nice words."

Kotb, who will continue to co-host Today's fourth hour alongside Kathie Lee Gifford in addition to her two-hour spot with Guthrie, has been receiving well wishes from her NBC colleagues and celebrity friends.

Al Roker seemed excited to have Kotb officially on board.

Andy Cohen also extended his congratulations to Kotb.

Aidy Bryant, Mindy Kaling, and John Cena were happy to hear the news.

But perhaps the best congratulatory tweet came from Willie Geist.