Hoda Kotb appeared to have a kneejerk reaction on Tuesday's episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna when her cohost suggested one of her friends could replace her.
Hoda, 60, announced back in September that she had made the decision to quit her role at Today - and last month, she confirmed that her final day would be Friday, January 10.
It was also revealed that Jenna, 42, would continue to host the fourth hour, which would be renamed Today with Jenna & Friends and have 'a rotating cast of fill-in co-hosts until a permanent host is named.'
However, during the latest installment of Today with Hoda & Jenna, the latter suggested that Gayle King could be the replacement and even referred to her as her 'bestie.'
The two women were talking about caring about opinions from people who matter and who 'love you' when Jenna shared an anecdote about Gayle.
'So, who was it? You were new at this job, you were just kind of getting started, you were learning on the job...,' Hoda said, as Jenna replied: 'I was and I went to the Olympics. Gayle King may not even remember this... I know she is your friend.'
'No, I love Gayle, she just...,' Hoda then said, as Jenna continued: 'I'm sorry, ever since she had Shaboozey, I feel like I'm rubbing salt in the wound,' referring to Gayle's recent sit-down interview with the singer.
'No it's fine, more about how awesome Gayle King is, please,' Hoda fired back sarcastically as Jenna then said: 'I'm sure you said nice things about me too, but Gayle had a radio show, and on the radio show... and I had gone to the Olympics in Vancouver and somebody sent this to me where she was like, "I love her, I love how real she is."
Hoda Kotb did not look impressed on Tuesday's Today when her cohost, Jenna Bush Hager, suggested that one of her friends could replace her
Hoda said 'my seat wasn't even cold yet' after Jenna suggested that Gayle King could be her new cohost on the show
Gayle King, pictured here on November 5, has been working for CBS since 2012 and currently cohosts CBS Mornings
'She said this whole thing, it was so nice. I've never actually said to her thank you for doing that,' Jenna continued, before adding: 'So today, to my bestie, Gayle, there's a seat open....'
Hoda then blurted out: 'My seat isn't even cold yet!' but Jenna ignored it and continued her plea: 'Gayle, there's a seat open and I know you have a job at 60 Minutes and such, but Gayle and Jenna... it has a beautiful ring!'
The mother-of-three then added: 'Just kidding, anyway, I should say thank you for that because that made me feel so good.'
Hoda replied: 'And this was right when you were getting started, so it's not like someone jumped on the band wagon when they knew you were good, because you eventually - obviously - became really good, but in the very beginning - good for her, I love Gayle too.'
Back in October, Hoda said that a moment during her 60th birthday celebrations in August helped her come to the realization it was time to move on from the Today show.
The mother-of-two opened up during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon about her decision to depart NBC after more than 25 years.
'When I turned 60, something weird happened, man,' she said. 'I turned 60, and we had this beautiful party at the Today show, and I looked out at the sea of all the people who came and beautiful signs, and so many well wishes.
'And I knew in my heart, like, this is it - "Man, this is what the mountaintop must feel like" - like, I'd never had that feeling before.'
Hoda and her Today cohost, Savannah Guthrie (left), pictured with Gayle King in April 2018
Hoda was very emotional when she announced live on air in September that she had made the decision to leave the Today show in early 2025
When she made the initial announcement live on air on September 26, Hoda wrote a letter explaining her 'painful' decision to her colleagues, where she explained that marking her 60th birthday sparked a seismic 'shift' in her life.
'As I write this, my heart is all over the map,' Hoda 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. Twenty-six years at NBC News - Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o'clock hour, sixteen on the ten o'clock hour.'
She continued: '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.'
