MATT LAUER TEXTED HODA KOTB AFTER SHE WAS NAMED NEW 'TODAY' HOST

Scandal-plagued TV host Matt Lauer reached out to Hoda Kotb to congratulate her after she was named his full-time replacement on the "Today" show.

"He texted me and he said congratulations and some really nice words, and it meant the world when I saw the text pop up," Kotb told Entertainment Tonight. "My heart just went like, you know, it meant the world to see that."

NBC announced Tuesday thatKotb will take over as Savannah Guthrie's co-host on the weekday program — a little over a month after Lauer was fired by the network following an allegation of inappropriate sexual behavior.

Multiple women have since come forward to accuse Lauer of sexual misconduct as well.

Hoda Kotb (left) is taking over the “Today” show anchor seat formerly filled by Matt Lauer (right).(NBC/NATHAN CONGLETON/NBC)

Kotb, 53, has hosted the "Kathie Lee & Hoda" segment of the "Today" show alongside Kathie Lee Gifford since 2008, and will continue to host that fourth-hour program in addition to her new gig. She has worked as a fill-in host during the earlier hours of the "Today" show in the past, including on shows since Lauer was terminated.

Lauer, 59, said he feels "ashamed" for his undisclosed past behavior in a statement released a day after his late November ousting, but contends some of the allegations against him are inaccurate. That statement represents the only public comment he's made since his firing.

Kotb, who was joined by Guthrie for her interview with ET, told the entertainment outlet she's been in touch with Lauer since the network cut ties.

"You know, Matt is our good friend and continues to be, and I think for both of us, we've just been trying to navigate this time and honor our love and friendship with Matt, but also understand and try to learn more about these circumstances," Kotb said.

"So, it's complicated when you are surprised by revelations, but you still care deeply for somebody who's a friend."

- ny news