After 12 years working for NBC News retailers, weekend Today host Harry Smith is departing the community.
On Friday, Smith, 72, and Today’s weekday hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones gathered to rejoice his profession.
In starting the send-off, Smith launched “A Look Back” montage that highlighted his many information tales throughout his stint at NBC, from breaking political information to superstar interviews with stars like Cher, Julia Roberts and Madonna.
Narrated by Smith, the five-minute reel concluded with him summing up his time, saying: “And it all seems like it happened yesterday.”
His visibly emotional co-hosts gave him a standing ovation, and Smith held again tears as he embraced Jones, 45.
“I have nothing but gratitude,” Smith stated. “Every time I would come on this show, I was welcomed so generously. I’ve had just this unbelievable array of phenomenal experiences since coming to NBC, and so I’m really full of nothing but gratitude.”
Smith continued, “Every time I’d come on, everyone would drop their phones, pay attention to the story and then respond.”
“We only do that for you, Harry,” Guthrie, 52, interjected.
Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty
Smith revealed that he plans to return to his alma mater, Central College, in Pella, Iowa, to show a course “on curiosity” within the fall.
“And I might write a book or two, we’ll see,” he added.
A teary Guthrie led a champagne toast to the printed journalist of over 50 years.
“Harry, you have to write. It’s your mission, it’s your gift,” she stated. “We will miss you every single day, and you better keep in touch.”
Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty
Smith beforehand left CBS News in July 2011 after 25 years. That identical month, he was introduced as a contributor to the primetime newsmagazine program Rock Center with Brian Williams, which ran till 2013.
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After the present’s cancellation, Smith started reporting for different NBC information retailers and sometimes anchored for NBC Nightly News. He additionally had a weekly story working within the “Sundays with Harry” phase on Today and, in 2015, started serving as a co-host on weekends for the daytime program.
