Today’s Donna Farizan Leaving Jenna & Friends After 12 Years

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Donna Farizan is ready to start her new chapter in her career.

For over a decade, a frequent guest on the ‘Today’ show has decided to move on from ‘Jenna & Friends’. During their September 8th broadcast, co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager assisted in sharing this ‘bittersweet news’ of her departure, which she herself announced.

During the broadcast, Savannah expressed that one of the many things they adore about Donna is her enthusiasm for adventures. She also hinted that Donna has some exciting news to share with them.

Donna then broke the news that she made the difficult decision to say goodbye to her NBC family.

A year ago, I started a series titled ‘Take Control of Your Strength’, during which I chose to express my genuine thoughts openly. More recently, having worked for 12 years with Today, I’m taking the opportunity to expand my horizons and explore new possibilities professionally beyond this show.

Later, Donna found a note she had penned, outlining her reasons for being prepared to face fresh professional opportunities.

Dear Donna, it’s time for me to begin a new phase in life,” said the graduate from George Washington University. “The uncertainty can be frightening, but it’s also exciting, so let’s face it head-on. Ever since I started college with dreams of television, I never knew what path lay ahead, but I always trusted my curiosity and passion to guide me.

Looking back at more than a decade spent on the fourth hour of Today, Donna observed, “I’ve blazed a trail for the show to experiment with different formats, found my own voice in storytelling, and made some wonderful new acquaintances. Discomfort often sparks growth. So, instead of being frightened to leap, I should remember that it’s only the anticipation before the jump that I find daunting. Yet, the greater the leap, the more profound the change in perspective and the stronger I become.

No matter where I look around the area near 30 Rock, I’m constantly reminded of instances where I stepped out of my comfort zone. Now, it’s high time for me to take another step outside my comfort zone again because that’s how we grow, and I have a strong desire to develop further.

Although Donna isn’t certain about her upcoming plans, she expressed her gratitude for attending the schools led by Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, and Jenna Bush Hager. Now, it’s time for Donna Farizan herself to chart her own course.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but gush after penning this heartfelt missive. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the extraordinary audience who faithfully tune in day after day, igniting within us the courage to wield our power fearlessly. Rest assured, dear friends, this isn’t a permanent farewell; it’s merely a pause before we reunite once more!

Building a team is key to achieving success, and here’s the group I’ve assembled. With these insights in hand, I plan to venture forth, keeping in mind that I can always return to visit. This path promises to be rewarding as I get to travel it with you, my audience. I invite you to stay connected on my social media platforms as I strive to provide enlightenment and depth, while also offering entertainment of value. So, won’t you come along for the ride, and allow me to be a part of your journey too?

Keep reading for a closer look at the Today show family.

No matter where I look around the area of 30 Rock, it brings back memories of moments when I ventured beyond my safe boundaries,” she went on. “It’s high time for me to do so once more. That’s how one expands, and I long to expand in that way.

In simpler terms, Donna expressed her uncertainty about her future plans but was thankful for the lessons she received from Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, and Jenna Bush Hager’s mentorship. Now, it’s time for Donna Farizan to chart her own path.

Donna finished off her heartfelt message with a thank you to the exceptional audience members who watch every day, inspiring everyone to embrace their power. She also made it clear that this wasn’t a permanent farewell.

Building a team is the key to success, and this is the team I’ve created. Taking these lessons learned, I spread my wings, knowing I can always return for a friendly chat. This path will be rewarding because I get to walk it with you, dear viewers. I invite you to come along on my social media platforms as I strive to provide enlightenment, depth, and entertainment with substance; so don’t hesitate to join me on this adventure, and let our journeys intertwine.

Keep reading for a closer look at the Today show family.

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2025-09-08 20:17