After 12 years with Today, Jenna & Friends’ contributor Donna Farizan has announced her departure from the show. She shared the news on a live broadcast, recalling her moments on the show.
Here’s what Farizan said on the Today show.
Donna Farizan leaves Today to explore new opportunities ‘beyond the show’
Donna Farizan joined Today as an intern at the age of 20, while still pursuing her studies. She became a full-time member some time later. On the September 8, 2025, episode, Farizan shared that she’s leaving the show to explore new opportunities professionally.
With co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Savannah Guthrie by her side, Farizan addressed the audience directly. “A year ago, I launched a series called ‘Own Your Power’ where I challenged myself to speak my truth,” she shared. “And now, after 12 years with Today, I’m challenging myself to spread my wings beyond the show to see what new and exciting [things await] me professionally.” (via Entertainment Weekly)
The host further added, “But before I do, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my time here.”
This was followed by a heartfelt letter she wrote to herself, along with clips from her time at Today being played. She began by saying, “Dear Donna, the time has come to start my next chapter. The unknown can be scary, but it’s also exhilarating, so let’s embrace it.”
Farizan continued to talk about her career from her college days. She recalled that despite not knowing where the road would lead, she always knew to follow her curiosity and spark. “I paved the way for the show to try new mediums, learned to tell stories in my own style, and made new friends along the way,” she wrote to herself.
Farizan also thanked her co-hosts, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, and Jenna Bush Hager, who inspired her. She concluded by addressing the friends and viewers along the way.
“Success is a team sport… So I’ll take these lessons with me, spread my wings, and remind myself that I can always fly back to say hello.”
Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on ComingSoon.
