Laura Jarrett officially began her role as co-anchor of Saturday TODAY on September 9, 2023, marking a significant career milestone celebrated not only by viewers and colleagues — but also by one of her biggest supporters: her mother, Valerie Jarrett.

Jarrett, 39, joined co-hosts Peter Alexander and Joe Fryer for her first broadcast from NBC’s New York City studio. The program, which previously aired from Washington, D.C. for two years, opened a new chapter in its weekend edition with Jarrett taking a prominent place at the desk. Fans were introduced to her through a feature detailing her early life, personal relationships, and family — a segment that resonated with many longtime TODAY viewers.

But one of the most meaningful acknowledgments came from Valerie Jarrett, the former senior advisor to President Barack Obama. Sharing a photo of the weekend team on Instagram, she wrote a brief but heartfelt message: “Happy first day @laurajarrett!” The post quickly circulated among admirers, symbolizing both pride and encouragement on her daughter’s professional milestone.

Laura Jarrett, in turn, marked the occasion on her own social media accounts with behind-the-scenes photos, videos, and lighthearted moments, including a playful “get to know you” game with co-anchor Peter Alexander. The clips highlighted her warm on-air presence — a quality viewers immediately praised.

“You are adorable! A GREAT addition to the TODAY Show. Move her to daily!!!!” one fan commented. Others noted her intelligence, energy, and screen chemistry with the team, calling her debut “refreshing” and “a perfect fit.”

Jarrett’s promotion had been announced a month earlier, with NBC executives expressing strong confidence in her journalistic abilities. Libby Leist, Executive Vice President of TODAY, praised her “tireless reporting, sharp legal insight, and powerful storytelling,” adding that the team was thrilled to welcome her to the weekend anchor desk.

Since joining NBC News in January, Jarrett has covered the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court, providing legal analysis and reporting on major national stories. Prior to that, she served as a CNN correspondent and built a reputation for her detailed, high-pressure reporting on political and legal affairs.

Her debut weekend on the program also featured an on-air celebration with the weekday hosts. Hoda Kotb teased September as a month of “new beginnings,” while Dylan Dreyer offered champagne to the entire team — starting with Jarrett and Alexander — to commemorate the moment. The gesture was followed by gifts and a short toast marking the start of “a new chapter.”

Jarrett’s co-anchor role marks another step in her expanding career, balanced alongside her life with husband Tony Balkissoon and their two children, James and June. As the weekend edition of TODAY moves forward with a refreshed format and new on-air chemistry, Jarrett’s presence is already resonating strongly with audiences — and her mother’s enthusiastic endorsement has only added to the excitement surrounding her arrival.