Hoda Kotb Leaving TODAY: ‘Hardest Thing In The World’
Hoda Kotb has announced that she will be leaving TODAY early next year, though she will remain part of the NBC family.
On the Sept. 26 episode of TODAY, she tearfully shared how her 60th birthday celebration in August led to her decision to make a change. “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” she explained. “I remembered standing outside looking at this beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the top of the wave feels like for me.’ And I thought it can’t get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.”
Hoda also said that wanting to spend more time with her daughters, Haley and Hope, was a big part of her choice. “Obviously I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have,” she added. “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.”
While Hoda will stay with TODAY until early next year, she will continue with NBC in a yet-to-be-announced role.
Having been with NBC for nearly three decades, Hoda started her journey at Dateline and eventually co-hosted the fourth hour of TODAY alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and then Jenna Bush Hager. She and Savannah Guthrie have co-anchored TODAY for over five years. “We love you so much,” Savannah said tearfully on TODAY. “And when you look around and see these tears, they’re love. You are so loved. We don’t want to imagine this place without you.”
Fans React to Hoda Kotb Leaving TODAY
Fans reacted quickly to the news on social media, many expressing understanding and support for Hoda’s decision. “I can understand this easily. Lessening her load with two small children as a single mom at age 60. She does not have forever to spend with her daughters,” one fan shared. Another added, “Very smart woman, good decision. Thank you for everything and all the company you gave the USA through the TV. Best wishes.”
Even those unfamiliar with the show took notice. “From a 20 year old who never watched this channel but goodbye Hoda we will all miss your kind spirit [crying emoji],” one person wrote. “I’ll admit that I don’t necessarily watch the show but absolutely love Hoda Kotb content on TikTok. She’s a true queen!”
Check out the full announcement below.
