Hoda Kotb, a beloved fixture on the Today Show, announced her departure from the morning program in early 2025. While she will remain within the NBC family in an unspecified role, her decision marks a significant shift for the show and its viewers. Kotb’s emotional announcement on September 26th, 2024, followed her 60th birthday celebration in August, a milestone that prompted reflection on her career and personal life.
“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” Kotb shared tearfully with her colleagues and audience. She expressed a desire to embrace new challenges and dedicate more time to her two young daughters, Haley and Hope.
Hoda Kotb announcing her departure from the Today Show.
The decision, while difficult, was driven by a desire to prioritize family and explore new opportunities. Kotb emphasized the importance of spending quality time with her children, recognizing the finite nature of time. Her dedication to motherhood played a crucial role in her choice to step away from the demanding schedule of a daily morning show.
Kotb’s departure comes after a long and successful career at NBC News, spanning nearly three decades. She contributed significantly to Dateline, co-hosted the fourth hour of Today with Kathie Lee Gifford and later Jenna Bush Hager, and ultimately co-anchored Today with Savannah Guthrie for over five years. Her departure marks the end of an era for the iconic morning show.
Guthrie, visibly emotional, expressed her love and admiration for Kotb, praising her courage to leave a successful career at its peak. Other Today Show colleagues, including Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin, shared heartfelt messages, reflecting on Kotb’s impact on their lives and the show. Each tribute underscored Kotb’s genuine warmth, kindness, and deep connections with her colleagues both on and off the air.
Kotb’s departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the Today Show family. However, her decision to prioritize family and pursue new passions resonates with many. As she embarks on this next chapter, viewers and colleagues alike wish her the best in her future endeavors. Her legacy of warmth, compassion, and genuine connection will continue to inspire. While the specific details of her future role within NBC remain undisclosed, her continued presence within the network offers a glimmer of hope for future appearances and projects.
