Donna Farizan is saying goodbye to the Today show after 12 years.
“I’m challenging myself to spread my wings beyond the show to see what new and exciting opportunities await me professionally,” Farizan, 34, told Jenna Bush Hager and Savannah Guthrie during a Monday, September 8, appearance on Jenna & Friends.
Farizan wrote a letter to herself, which was published on the show’s website, reflecting on the lessons she learned during her time at the show.
“The time has come to start my next chapter. The unknown can be scary, but it’s also exhilarating, so let’s embrace it,” she wrote. “Since I started college and had my heart set on television internships, I didn’t know where the road would lead, but I knew to follow my curiosity and spark. I created a path that taught me lessons that expanded my growth as a human being.”
She added, “I believe dreams come true, I believe in romanticizing life and staying hopeful that the future I can’t yet see burns bright.”
Farizan called Today her “home away from home” in the goodbye message, shouting out the “friendships” and “memories” made throughout her tenure.
“The biggest joy of this chapter in my life has been the viewers I’ve met — or have yet to meet — along the way,” she wrote. “Success is a team sport, and this is the team I’ve built. So I’ll take these lessons with me, spread my wings, and remind myself that I can always fly back to say hello.”
Farizan also took to Instagram with a heartfelt caption about her time at Today and took a walk down memory lane with some throwback videos.
“There’s so much to say but for now I want to leave this here — thank you all so much for the support. I’m giving virtual hugs and kisses!” she captioned an Instagram post on Monday. “I hope you’ll watch ‘til the end (don’t worry each clip is a minute long) because every word was so important for me to broadcast on @jennaandfriends, and I’m linking my full letter in my bio.”
The Jenna & Friends social media account also shared a tribute to Farizan’s time on the show.
“Today we say goodbye to our incredible friend, Donna. She’s brought us joy, heart, and unforgettable stories,” the social media post read, sharing a photo of Farizan and Bush Hager. “Wishing her nothing but success and love on her next chapter.”
