Hoda Kotb marks end of an era with heartfelt message to her best friend

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Hoda Kotb is known for her loyalty and has a close-knit circle of friends, both in the public eye and out of the spotlight.MORE: Hoda Kotb left frustrated live on air by missed opportunity with co-starAnd this week, the kind-hearted star shone a light on her best friend, Karen Swensen, as she marked an end of an era.Karen retired on Wednesday and on her last day at work, Hoda shared a series of photos of her from over the year, alongside a heartfelt message.VIDEO: Today's Hoda Kotb announces split from fiancé Joel Schiffman She wrote: "Wow @karenswensen.

Remember when you started at wwl (left)... cannot believe you are retiring.. your last day today… receive your love. Here's to the next chapter @lifesaboutchange."MORE: Hoda Kotb opens up about going out alone in new revelation following splitMORE: Hoda Kotb participates in Olympics-style activity that leaves fans in stitchesFans were quick to comment on the post, with one writing: "Karen will be missed!" while another wrote: "Will certainly miss you, enjoy your retirement." A third added: "Class act that will surely be missed."A post shared by Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb)Today's Hoda Kotb paid tribute to her best friend following her retirement at WWL-TVKaren worked as an anchor on WWL-TV, a CBS affiliate in New Orleans, and received a special send-off on her very last day of the show.MORE: Hoda Kotb emotionally reunites with best friend for special Valentine's Day surpriseMORE: Inside Hoda Kotb's stylish NY home where she will co-parent her daughtersThe journalist posted a tribute message on her own Instagram account after her last show, alongside pictures of her in the studio with her colleagues.She wrote: "Thank you @wwltv Morning Show for the sweetest send-off.