Joanne Lamarca: Celebs Rumors

Hoda Kotb has been a staple on Today since she joined the NBC show in 2007 – but throughout her time, she has had to say goodbye to some of her beloved co-stars.MORE: Hoda Kotb overcome with emotion after heartwarming reunion on TodayIn fact, Saturday will mark the first anniversary of the departure of her executive producer, Joanne LaMarca, who left the show on 20 August last year, and it was a very bittersweet day for Hoda and her co-host Jenna Bush Hager.WATCH: Hoda Kotb left tearful after on-air surprise Joanne worked on Today with Hoda & Jenna for years, so it wasn't surprising that the duo gave her a worthy send-off on her final day – which included a surprise performance from country star Trace Adkins.They even shared a special post created in Joanne's honor, which read: "It's a bittersweet day as we say farewell to our beloved executive producer Joanne LaMarca, who is leaving to spend more time with her family."MORE: Hoda Kotb jokes about her fears of getting fired MORE: Why Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie keep taking time off TodayIt added: "But before she goes, country star @traceadkins has a special surprise performance just for her. Watch the emotional moment at the link in our bio.⁠"At the time, the tribute left many viewers in tears, and fans took to Instagram to say their farewells.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorJoanne LaMarca, the spirited executive producer behind the fourth hour of NBC’s “Today” morning franchise, plans to step down from the role later in August.In a memo issued to staffers on Thursday, Libby Leist, a senior vice president at NBC News who oversees “Today,” said LaMarca was eager to spend more time with family, and had initially taken the job in 2019 with the intention to stay for a year. LaMarca helped launch the hour under Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager after Kathie Lee Gifford retired from the program in 2019, and then faced a series of intriguing challenges.