Mariska Hargitay Is ‘Happy to Step in’ After Hoda Kotb’s ‘Today’ Exit

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.

“I love you. I love you so much and I am so proud and inspired by you,” Hargitay told Kotb, 60, in the wake of her announcement that she’ll be leaving the Today show early next year.

“I was so excited to see you today, and I’m so grateful to be able to say that,” the actress continued. “Because you know — we’re 26 years together, baby, and we’re 60 together — and so when you made your decision, I said ‘Yes.'”

Hargitay, 60, continued, “And my gosh, I grieve for all of us in this country who’s gonna miss you — and most of all you,” referring to her longtime co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie.

The actress then made a tempting offer, saying she would be “happy to step in any time.”

“I love you!” Kotb said as she laughed, before both she and Guthrie, 52, grabbed Hargitay’s hands and said, “Deal.”

Kotb announced her plans to leave Today on Sept. 26, writing in a letter to NBC staffers: “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.”

She then shared the decision on-air, as she sat on a couch surrounded by her colleagues Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones and Guthrie for the emotional announcement.

Kotb reflected on turning 60 earlier this year and how the milestone birthday led her to decide to “turn a page” and “try something new.”

“I had my kiddos later in life and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world,” Kotb said through tears.

“I’m gonna be here through the first of the year — past the first of the year — and I’m gonna stay in the NBC family, but it’s kind of a big deal for me.”

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Following the announcement, sources close to the Today show told PEOPLE that it was just as shocking to them as it was to the public. 

“This was a complete surprise to most people at the show. However, Hoda has put a lot of thought into it. She also talked a lot about it with both Savannah and Jenna.”

“Ultimately, she made the final decision in the interest of her girls,” the source said, referring to Kotb’s daughters Hope, 4, and Haley, 7. “The show is focused on Hoda right now, not on filling the roles just yet.”