Hoda Kotb's decision to step down from her role as a Today anchor has left fans and colleagues alike in shock, while also shedding light on the pressures of balancing a high-profile career with family life. Announced in a heartfelt on-air moment on September 26, Kotb's departure marks the end of an era for the morning show, where she has been a beloved presence for over 16 years.
Kotb, who turned 60 in August, shared the deeply personal reasons behind her decision during the live broadcast. "I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and try something new," she said through tears, explaining that her two young daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, were a major factor in her choice. "Obviously, I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie," Kotb added. "We only have a finite amount of time."
The announcement came as a surprise to Today viewers, but Kotb's fellow anchors-Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Sheinelle Jones-were visibly emotional as they reacted to the news. Guthrie, who has co-anchored the show with Kotb since 2018, expressed her admiration for her co-star: "You are so loved. 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
The moment was filled with both sadness and celebration, as Guthrie commended Kotb's bravery in choosing to leave the show at the height of her career. "You have guts," Guthrie said. "For someone to leave at the top of their game ... because she dreams even bigger for herself ... you inspire me."
Kotb's departure is a poignant reminder of the demands of morning television, which Kotb herself alluded to in a behind-the-scenes revelation. A source at NBC told Us Weekly that the 3:00 a.m. wakeup calls and the responsibility of being a single mother were wearing on her. Kotb, who relocated to Westchester, New York, with her daughters after splitting from her fiancé Joel Schiffman, has been juggling both motherhood and her career for years, often candidly discussing the challenges of parenting on air.
Despite the tearful goodbyes, Kotb is not disappearing from the media world just yet. While she will officially exit Today in January 2025, she remains under contract with NBC and is expected to contribute in other capacities, perhaps taking a cue from fellow NBC alum Maria Shriver. Kotb's first post-Today project is already in the works: a wellness retreat in Austin, Texas, set for October 2024. The Making Space Wellness event will focus on Kotb's pillars of personal growth-mind, body, emotion, and spirit.
Kotb's departure also opens a conversation about the changing landscape of morning television and the toll it takes on its stars. According to an NBC insider, Kotb's exit wasn't entirely unexpected among her colleagues. "It's such a hard job on your life," the insider told Us Weekly. "Morning TV is not glamorous."
The announcement follows Kotb's years of candid conversations on Today about her life as a mother and the health struggles of her daughter Hope, who spent time in the hospital last year. Kotb has often taken breaks from the show to prioritize her family's well-being, and her decision to leave is seen by many as a continuation of that focus.
Her absence will undoubtedly leave a gap in the Today lineup, as she has been a constant presence on the show since 2007, first joining the team for the 10:00 a.m. hour alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. After Gifford's departure, Kotb continued to co-host with Jenna Bush Hager, while also taking on a more prominent role as a main anchor alongside Guthrie.
Looking forward, Kotb's plans include spending more time with her daughters and possibly writing or speaking more about her personal journey. She has already published several books, and her next chapter could very well see her stepping into new roles that combine her passions for media, wellness, and motherhood.
