Kristen Welker is bidding farewell to Weekend TODAY as she moves on to become the moderator of “Meet the Press,” NBC’s flagship Sunday morning public affairs talk show. Welker, who has spent over three years co-anchoring with Peter Alexander, expressed her mixed emotions during her final show on Aug. 26. The show included flashback segments showcasing her career over the years. At the end of the show, Welker was surprised by her husband, John Hughes, and daughter, Margot, joining her on set. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Welker addressed the TODAY Show viewers, thanking them for supporting the show and expressing her appreciation for the Weekend TODAY team. Welker’s journey at NBC News began in 1997 as an intern for TODAY while studying at Harvard University. She subsequently worked as a researcher for Weekend TODAY and went on to work for ABC and WCAU before joining NBC News in 2010. Welker became the co-anchor of Weekend TODAY alongside Peter Alexander in January 2020. The two have developed a close friendship over the years, working together for over a decade. In addition to her anchoring role, Welker achieved a significant career milestone in 2020 when she moderated a presidential debate. She successfully managed the final debate before the 2020 election, impressing both candidates with her professionalism and keeping order during the event. Welker welcomed her first child, Margot Lane, in 2021 with the help of a surrogate. She has been open about her experience with infertility and surrogacy, inspiring others who have faced similar challenges. Welker’s upcoming role as the moderator of “Meet the Press” makes her the first Black journalist to host the iconic news program. Her appointment has been met with congratulations and support from her colleagues and the TODAY family. Welker expresses gratitude for the opportunity and considers it the “honor of [her] life.”
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