Hoda Kotb will be Matt Lauer's permanent replacement as 'Today' co-anchor for NBC

Hoda Kotb will be the permanent replacement for Matt Lauer on the "Today" show, serving as co-anchor, NBC announced Tuesday.

Kotb, a beloved NBC veteran who has been with the network since 1998, had been filling in since Lauer was fired from NBC in November for "inappropriate sexual behavior."

"We are kicking off the year right, because Hoda is officially the co-anchor of 'Today,'" coanchor Savannah Guthrie said during Tuesday's broadcast, The New York Times reported. "This has to be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made, and I am so thrilled."

"I am pinching myself," Kotb said.

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