Devastated Today show viewers announce they're 'done watching' as they break down in TEARS over longtime host Hoda Kotb's departure

Some Today show viewers have announced that they're preparing to boycott the series after longtime host Hoda Kotb announced her departure.

The mother-of-two, 60, shared the heartbreaking news on Thursday morning, explaining that she will step away early next year so she can give 'a bigger piece of her time pie' to her daughters.

Immediately, fans of the morning show took to social media to share their devastation, and some even admitted that they will be 'done watching' when she leaves.

'OK I’m done watching Today,' one user commented on Instagram under a video of her announcement.

'Today show won't be the same,' agreed someone else.

'She's the reason I watch,' shared another person.

'Please say this is a joke,' read a fourth comment, while a fifth said, 'Huge loss, irreplaceable.'

Others admitted that the news had brought them to tears, as a different user wrote, 'Literally crying after I put my makeup on.

'I start my day with you every single day. I will miss you. Best wishes to all of your future endeavors.'

'Oh lord. I’m crying walking out the door to school drop-off,' announced someone else.

'Hoda, you are a solid gold, wonderful human being. Thank you for making us smile, laugh, and learn.' 

'I'm sitting here in tears,' read another comment.

'I'm crying getting ready for work. I watch you everyday. You are so non-judgmental, loving, and caring,' wrote a different devastated fan.

Someone else called it the 'end of an era,' while another said her departure 'will leave a hole in their heart.'

Hoda, who has been a part of NBC for 26 years, got emotional herself as she shared the news while live on-air on Thursday.

She explained to her fellow co-hosts that turning 60 felt like a 'monumental moment' and ultimately convinced her it was time to 'try something new.'

The TV icon - who reportedly earns around $8 million a year - read a letter explaining her 'painful' decision to her colleagues.

'As I write this, my heart is all over the map,' she 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. My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. 

'But only because you've been beside me on this 26-year adventure. Looking back, the math is nuts. 

'26 years at NBC News - Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o'clock hour, 16 on the 10 o'clock hour.

'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 heartbreaking tribute to her 'ride-or-die' Jenna Bush Hager, adding that 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.' 

She explained that she felt a 'shift' following her 60th birthday.

'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,' she explained. 'I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.'

Hoda told her cohosts and viewers that a key part of her decision was down to her young daughters, seven-year-old Haley and four-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 longtime host added that she will 'remain a part of the NBC family,' concluding, 'How could I not? Family is family, and you all will always be a part of mine.'