Weekend Today host Harry Smith says he plans to teach as he leaves NBC after 12 years

After 12 years with NBC News, veteran news correspondent Harry Smith said his goodbyes. The TODAY show anchors Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and Sheinelle Jones gave him an emotional send-off on Friday to mark the end of his time with the network.

Harry revealed his plans to start instructing at his former university and expressed his desire to author several books. In the wake of Hoda Kotb’s announcement about his departure from the network, the 72-year-old debuted “A Look Back by Harry Smith.”

The montage showcases the wide range of news stories he reported on during his time at NBC, including interviews with renowned individuals such as Julia Roberts, Cher, and Madonna, as well as coverage of significant political events.

The web address for the video is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naYfHm-ZMfo.

Prior to playing the video, Harry introduced the individuals featured in his farewell clip as:

“People who enriched their communities, people who made us laugh, cry, made us proud, people who helped us remember that there is more that unites us than divides us.”

The conclusion of the five-minute clip featured Harry summarizing:

“And it all seems like it happened yesterday.”

As the video came to a close, Harry’s colleagues were moved to give him a standing ovation. The broadcaster then addressed them, saying:

“I have nothing but gratitude.”

He proceeded to console the crying Sheinelle Jones and added:

“Every time I would always come on this show, I was always welcomed so generously.

“I’ve had just this unbelievable array of phenomenal experiences since coming to NBC, and so I’m really full of nothing but gratitude. Every time I’ve come on, everyone would drop their phones, pay attention to the story and then respond.”

Savannah stated in a lighthearted manner:

“We only do that for you.”

Colleagues Bid Farewell to Harry Smith with Tearful Goodbyes

The broadcast journalist had been employed at CBS News for 25 years before departing from the network in July 2011.

Harry Smith started his tenure at NBC in the same month as a contributor to Rock Center with Brian Williams, a prime-time newsmagazine program that ultimately ended in June 2013 due to cancellation.

Following that, Harry took on reporting duties for NBC’s various other platforms and also served as a substitute anchor for Nightly News. At the same time, he launched a weekly show called Sundays with Harry, which aired on Today. In 2015, Harry became a co-host for the weekend editions of the network’s daytime program.

At Harry Smith’s departure from NBC News on Friday, Savannah Guthrie remarked:

“You have brought us some remarkable stories, finding people, places, that stay with us forever.

“Writing stories with such elegance and … just beauty that frankly no one can match it, and of course, delivering them in that unforgettable voice and Harry just being an amazing friend to us.”

Craig Melvin inquired about the 72-year-old’s future career goals. Harry revealed his intention to join the faculty at Central College in Pella, Iowa and teach a class on ‘curiosity’ in the upcoming fall semester. He also shared his desire to write one or two books. Savannah strongly urged him to pursue his writing aspirations.

Savannah commended the broadcast journalist for his writing skills and referred to Harry Smith as a “fantastic colleague.”

“We love you. We will miss you every single day, and you better keep in touch.”

As they raised their champagne glasses to make a toast to Harry’s upcoming journey, everyone was overcome with emotion and began to cry. Harry then took the opportunity to thank the hardworking crew members who had been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything was perfect.