Hoda Kotb’s emotional announcement about leaving Today left pal Mariska Hargitay feeling touched and inspired! “I love you so much, and I’m so proud and inspired by you and was excited to see you today,

SVU' star told Kotb in the wake of her exit announcement Mariska Hargitay is happy to fill in for Hoda Kotb. The Law and Order: SVU star stopped by the Today show on Tuesday, Oct. 1 to talk about her 26th year on the hit series — but she also had something to get off her chest.

Mariska Hargitay gives her best wishes to Hoda Kotb amidst the talk show host leaving the Today show. Kotb, on the September 26th episode of the show, announced that she would be taking an exit from the NBC-hailed reality series to provide time for her family and kids.

Hoda Kotb’s decision to leave the Today show is one that her pal Mariska Hargitay admires. “I love you so much, and I’m so proud and inspired by you and was excited to see you today,” Hargitay told Kotb,