Today said goodbye to Jenna & Friends contributor Donna Farizan after 12 years on the show helmed by Jenna Bush Hager.
On Monday, Sept. 8, Farizan announced the news on the fourth hour of the beloved NBC morning show.
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"A year ago, I launched a series called Own Your Power, where I challenged myself to speak my truth," Farizan said as she sat next to Bush Hager and Savannah Guthrie. "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."
Donna Farizan announced she was leaving Today in a letter to herself
Next, Today With Jenna & Friends played a video in which Farizan read a letter she wrote to herself.
"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," she said as clips of herself as a college student aired. "Since I started college and had my heart set on television, I didn't know where the road would lead, but I knew to follow my curiosity and spark."
Farizan continued as more footage of her time at Today played, "I created a path that taught me lessons, lessons that expanded my growth as a human being. I paved the way for the show to try new mediums, learn to tell stories in my own style, and made new friends along the way. Discomfort is usually a catalyst for growth. So I shouldn't be afraid to jump because it's only the part before I take the jump that I fear. But the bigger the leap, the bigger the shift in perspective and the more resilient I become. Today, we're fearless."
In her lengthy letter, Farizan recounted her time with the show. She later concluded, "This road will be fulfilling because I get to share in it with you, our viewers. I hope you’ll follow along on my socials as I continue to bring both light and depth, and entertain with value; so please join me on my journey, and I’ll be a part of yours."
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A post shared by TODAY with Jenna & Friends (@jennaandfriends)
Why is Donna Farizan leaving Today With Jenna & Friends?
In the comments of Farizan's Sept. 9 Instagram post—captioned, "Memories that will last a lifetime ?"—after making the announcement, it was clear fans were caught off-guard by the news of her departure.
One Instagram user wrote, "Wow- I thought her announcement was going to be co-host with Jenna! She’s too good to let go!"
Another wondered, "Does anybody know the answer to why she’s leaving? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?"
Someone else speculated, "Did she want the co-anchor, and didn't get it maybe?"
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A post shared by Donna Farizan (@donnafarizan)
Meanwhile, others were just sad to see Farizan leaving after more than a decade on Today With Jenna & Friends.
The Jenna & Friends Instagram account exclaimed, "We love you, Donna! ?."
One Instagram follower declared, "I hope your next move is BRIGHT! excited to see you shine ?."
Another fan shared, "I feel like I have watched her grow up since her 'donna adorable' days with Kathie Lee [Gifford]!!! They shouldn’t let her go!"
Someone else wrote, "Awww we love you @donnafarizan!! A bright star! Excited for what’s next ❤️."
Yet another Instagram follower commented, "No!! Donna can’t leave! Wishing @donnafarizan best wishes in whatever her future holds for her! You will be missed?."
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A post shared by Donna Farizan (@donnafarizan)
One day earlier, on Sept. 7, Farizan took to Instagram with a teaser about the news, writing, "Hey y’all- I’m making an announcement on @jennaandfriends tomorrow. Please tune in! ??."
However, she has not shared a specific reason for her Today exit, other than exploring her career options.
Next: Craig Melvin Announces Major Career Switch-Up 5 Months After Today Promotion
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