Hoda Kotb chosen to co-anchor ‘Today’

NBC News opened the new year Tuesday by naming Hoda Kotb as co-anchor of the “Today” show’s first two hours with Savannah Guthrie, replacing Matt Lauer following his firing over accusations of sexual misconduct in November.

Kotb, 53, will continue to co-host the show’s fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford.

It will be the first all-female team headlining “Today” in the show’s 65-year history. Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts blazed that path for ABC’s “Good Morning America” in the 2000s, but morning shows have traditionally paired a man and a woman as hosts.

“Today” won’t be an all-female zone in its first half, however, with longtime weather forecaster Al Roker and correspondent Carson Daly as regulars. Megyn Kelly hosts the show’s third hour.

“This has to be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made, and I am so thrilled,” Guthrie said on Tuesday, announcing the appointment on the air.

“I am pinching myself,” said a beaming Kotb, sitting beside her. “I think we should send some medics to Alexandria, Va., where my mom has likely fainted.”

Lauer’s eventual replacement had long been the subject of internal angst, but with a sudden decision forced upon the network, Kotb’s performance made it easier. She’s subbed for Lauer since the day he was fired, and “Today” has won four straight weeks in the ratings, after having spent much of the past few years in second behind ABC.

NATHAN CONGLETON/NBC Hoda Kotb, who has been co-host of the fourth hour of “Today,” also will co-anchor the show’s first two hours.