Hoda Kotb revealed she will be stepping down from her role as co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. The news came during a live broadcast on September 26, where Kotb, surrounded by her colleagues, shared her decision to leave the show early next year.
Fighting back tears, Kotb explained that turning 60 was a pivotal moment for her, prompting reflections on her future.
Hoda Kotb Say Goodbye to NBC News ‘Today’ Show and We’re Heartbroken
“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new,” she said.
Kotb has been a beloved figure on “Today” for 17 years, known for her warmth, humor, and genuine connection with viewers.
Kotb’s departure is driven by a desire to spend more time with her daughters, Haley and Hope.
“I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on… they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie,” she expressed during her announcement.
Her colleagues, including Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker, praised Kotb for her contributions and expressed their deep affection for her. Guthrie, visibly emotional, remarked, “We don’t want to imagine this place without you”.
Hoda Kotb has announced that she is leaving TODAY early next year. pic.twitter.com/sXuRsDbNnI
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 26, 2024
While Kotb will leave her co-anchor role, she reassured fans that she will remain part of the NBC family in a new capacity. Her departure marks the end of an era for “Today,” but also the beginning of a new chapter for Kotb as she embraces new opportunities and cherishes more moments with her family.
As of now, NBC has not yet made any official announcements regarding who will take over Hoda Kotb’s spot on the “Today” show. Fans and media alike are eagerly speculating about potential candidates, but the network has remained tight-lipped about any decisions.
Hoda Kotb Impressive Career
Kotb’s career in journalism began with local news stations, including WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi, and WQAD in Moline, Illinois. She later worked at WWL-TV in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she spent nearly a decade honing her skills as a reporter and anchor.
In 1998, Hoda Kotb joined NBC News as a correspondent for “Dateline NBC,” a role she continues to hold. Her work on “Dateline” has earned her numerous accolades, including a Peabody Award for her coverage of Hurricane Katrina.
Kotb’s journey with the “Today” show began in 2008 when she co-hosted the fourth hour alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. The duo’s chemistry and Kotb’s infectious personality quickly made the segment a hit. After Gifford’s departure, Kotb continued to co-host the fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager.
In 2018, Hoda Kotb made history by becoming the co-anchor of the main “Today” show, alongside Savannah Guthrie. This appointment marked the first time two women co-anchored the show, a significant milestone in broadcast journalism.
Beyond her television career, Kotb is also a successful author. She has written several books, including her memoir “Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee,” and “Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives,” which became a New York Times bestseller.
As Hoda Kotb prepares to leave the “Today” show in early 2025, she reflects on a career filled with groundbreaking achievements and heartfelt connections with viewers. Her decision to step down is driven by a desire to spend more time with her daughters and explore new opportunities within the NBC family.
