Matt Lauer sat down with Jay Leno on Thursday night and reflected on the past year, which has been filled with controversy for the veteran television anchor.
Lauer has been partly pegged as responsible for Ann Curry’s firing, and his Today Show has been falling short in the ratings.
When Leno asked how he’s been, Lauer responded “It’s been an interesting year — no question about it," adding, "I'm not a guy who complains. I love this job, I really do,” The Huffington Post reports.
He went on to praise Kathie Lee Gifford, who co-hosts the fourth hour of the show with Hoda Kotb, saying she’s remained a “great friend” throughout all of this.
Referring to the petition she drew up and had NBC staffers sign, Lauer said “Kathie Lee did something very sweet a couple of weeks ago. She went around and she just passed around a note and had members of the staff sign it just saying, 'Things are going to be okay.'"
He also said, "Kathie Lee is one of the dearest people, and she's kind and she's compassionate and she's been there. My mother has always told me that, 'In times of adversity you find out who your friends are.' Kathie Lee is a great friend."