Morning television icon Hoda Kotb just made the tearful announcement that she was no longer going to co-anchor NBC’s TODAY show. Following nearly two decades with the show and six years in her position as co-anchoring, Hoda Kotb announced why she would remove herself so she could find the time to commit to her family, mainly her two small girls. As the announcement was on September 26, 2024, the reactions from her other cohosts and the audience were teary because it meant the end of an era with TODAY.
Hoda Kotb’s Emotional Announcement
In an on-air announcement left her fellow TODAY hosts in tears, Hoda Kotb announced her resignation from her post at the beginning of 2025. The 60-year-old Hoda Kotb explained it was now the time to “turn the page” and begin the next chapter of her life. She looked back at her career and personal life, feeling very grateful for her time on the show, and some of her priorities have shifted. Her heartfelt message rang deep within the hearts of this audience that followed her through the years.
Hoda Kotb, who has co-anchored TODAY since 2007, told Hoda and Jenna this morning the decision had much to do with her daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 5. Hoda Kotb says she wants to spend more time with them now; “They deserve a bigger piece of my time pie.” She means that every slice of her life has to be well apportioned, and she needs more of them. The announcement had emotional moments as the co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Savannah Guthrie, whose tears shed off the false eyelashes she had on for the broadcast,
Motherhood & Hoda’s Decision.
That was love and commitment from Hoda Kotb, who opted to take time off the anchoring of one of the most popular morning shows. She was candid in the announcement, talking about juggling motherhood with a high-profile career, especially after a health scare with her youngest daughter, Hope, earlier this year, 2023. Hoda Kotb has never discussed the nature of Hope’s condition but shared how it was the health crisis for her daughter that had her taking some time off TODAY. That’s when Hoda Kotb knew it was time to be home more.
Although she remained satisfied with her job, she said her daughters now needed more of her time and energy. A decision in this regard by Hoda Kotb has again reminded one of those rigid choices that come across the way for working parents. By making candid statements about her daughter’s health and hiring extra help, Hoda Kotb instills a wish to balance responsibilities as a career woman with being hands-on as a mother.
And What’s Next For Hoda Kotb?
Although Hoda Kotb will step away from the responsibility of being the co-anchor, she has kept the door open as she had said that she will not be leaving the NBC family just yet. The letter implied that her work at NBC has been the longest and most meaningful work relationship in her life. Further, her letter went on to speak about the future projects in store for her when she said she plans to stay with NBC, just in a different capacity.
While there’s some murkiness to the details about what’s next for Hoda Kotb, sources near and dear to the TV personality say she may continue to do special interviews or focus on her podcast, “Making Space with Hoda Kotb.” That would keep her busy with the media but not necessarily undertake the day-to-day burden of co-anchoring a live morning show. The good thing for her fans, as Kotb decides on her next move, is she will still be part of their lives; she will just be coming at them from another angle.
Conclusion
It was a huge, sprawling transition for not only her personal life but for TODAY in particular and for morning TV in general. Her statement was full of thankful and emotional sentiments; it seemed like she was just up for whatever this new chapter had in store for her and her family. There’s no doubt that TODAY will be missed, but it won’t touch the legacy Hoda Kotb has created: this warm, empathetic, naturally relatable persona on air through morning television.
But as Hoda Kotb prepares to pivot toward her girls and new projects, she does so, having collected a treasure trove of iconic moments and emotional connections in the rearview mirror of her career. From correspondent on “Dateline” to “TODAY” co-anchor, hers is one of survival and gifts that have kept fans anticipating what might come next for this favorite television personality.
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