The 'Freaky Friday' star gushed over Kotb, thanking her 'for being such a shining example to all of us of what’s really important.'

Today gave departing co-host a sendoff to Hoda Kotb, with tributes and messages that ran throughout the first two hours, and even the appearance of Kermit the Frog to sing “Rainbow Connection.” Kotb announced last year that she was stepping down as co-host of the show.

It’s the end of an era at Today. The Jan. 10 broadcast marked the last for co-anchor Hoda Kotb, who Is departing NBC’s flagship morning news program after more than 17 years. The celebration — or rather,