Today show anchors reveal true feelings over Hoda Kotb's exit during behind-the-scenes confession

Hoda Kotb is officially stepping down from the Today show on Friday after nearly three decades at NBC – and after DailyMail.com brushed shoulders with her esteemed colleagues earlier this week, it’s clear they all feel the same way about her exit.

The popular anchor, 60, announced her decision to leave the program in September, immediately prompting an outpouring of sadness from across the country.  

It was later confirmed that Craig Melvin, 45, will be taking her place as co-host in 'one of the most popular decisions' made by the network and will begin his tenure on Monday. 

But what do Hoda's co-stars really think of her impending exit?  

DailyMail.com mingled with the Today show crew on Tuesday night in Manhattan, New York, as the network prepared to launch its new health and wellness app Start Today.

And seconds into conversations with Craig, Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Laura Jarrett, it was abundantly apparent that while they are saddened to be losing their beloved and treasured colleague, they are overwhelmingly happy that she is making this next step.

Not only that, but they all appeared united in the idea that they aren't really saying goodbye – and that although Hoda will bid farewell to Studio 1A, she will still very much remain a constant in all of their lives.

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Laura, 41, who joined the Today show family as an anchor in 2023, also revealed that Hoda is 'at peace' with her exit from the network.

'I'm so happy for her,' she enthused. 'I feel like anybody who has watched not just the last couple days, but last couple months since she announced has seen how at peace she is and how happy she is, and she's just marinating in this moment, which is so nice to see.

'People don't want the attention focused on them, especially reporters by training, but Hoda's enjoying her minute. 

'And I just think for as long as she has worked and as hard as she has worked, she deserves every ounce of attention that she gets.'

Meteorologist Dylan, 43, echoed a similar sentiment, adding that while she is preparing to say goodbye to Hoda in a work capacity, they will remain in close contact as they both reside in Bronxville, an affluent New York suburb.

'I love seeing her so happy for this next step,' she told DailyMail.com. 

'You know, this is her journey, and it's one she chose to take, and if she's happy about it, I can't help but be happy for her.

'Selfishly, I will miss working with her. She's the heart of the show [and] she puts a smile on your face every time you see her.'

Dylan added: 'Hoda and I are neighbors, so I'm still gonna see her all the time. Our kids pretty much grew up together, so I'm not losing Hoda in my life.'

And suffice to say, Today show powerhouse Al, 70, of course shared the same outlook.

'We're not saying goodbye,' he insisted. 'We're just saying, "we'll see you a little later."'

He added: 'She's still around and it's not like she's leaving, leaving. She's just transitioning, so it's all good.'

Hoda announced that she was stepping down from the Today show in September, citing that turning 60 had shifted her priorities in life.

'I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,' she said on the program.

'I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, "This is what the top of the wave feels like for me."

'And I thought it can't get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.'

Hoda added that her two young daughters, Haley, seven, and Hope, five, also played a major part in her decision.

'Obviously I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have,' she said.

'I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.'

In November, it was confirmed that Craig, who has been with NBC News for nearly 14 years, would be taking over from Hoda.

He will move into the co-anchor seat alongside Savannah Guthrie from Monday, January 13.

Addressing his new role, the broadcaster exclaimed at the time: 'I am beyond excited and grateful. This is the latest in a long line of blessings.'

And Craig's signing has proven to be hugely popular amongst his colleagues.

Giving insight into how the news went down at the studios, Savannah said live on air: 'The larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause.

'This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.'

Of course, the Today show stars have thrown their support around Craig and are excited to see him step into his new role.

'Right now, we are all so close, so it's like seeing my brother get this promotion, and you can't help but be happy for him,' Dylan said, stressing that 'it's not a phony happy.'

She added: 'I know him as a person, and it just makes so much sense. I've never seen anything that makes more sense.'