Hoda Kotb, the beloved host of NBC’s Today Show, has shocked fans with her announcement that she’s stepping down after nearly three decades at the network to focus on raising her two daughters. On Thursday, the 60-year-old host revealed that hitting this milestone birthday prompted a major life decision: it was time to make family her priority.
“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new,” Kotb explained, tearing up during the emotional announcement. Reflecting on her career, she described this as her “top of the wave” moment, where she felt like it couldn’t get any better professionally. And so, she decided the best thing for her and her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, was to give them more of her time. “They deserve a bigger piece of my time pie,” she said, making it clear that while she loved her career, her role as a mother comes first.
For those who’ve followed Kotb’s journey, the news is bittersweet. She’s been a staple of NBC News for 26 years, and her warm, genuine presence on the Today show has made her a morning favorite for millions. She won’t officially be leaving until early next year, but her announcement has already stirred up emotions.
Savannah Guthrie, who has co-anchored the show with Kotb for over five years, could barely hold back her tears as she praised her friend’s bravery. “I am so proud of my friend,” Guthrie said, calling Kotb an inspiration for having the guts to leave a job she loves in pursuit of something even more meaningful. “For someone to leave at the top of their game… and say, ‘But I dream bigger for myself into the great unknown,’” Guthrie continued. “You inspire me.”
Jenna Bush Hager, Kotb’s co-host during the fourth hour of the Today show, also got emotional, reassuring Kotb that their bond wouldn’t end with her departure. “It’s not over,” Hager quipped, promising to show up at Kotb’s house like a “stalker” and remain her friend forever.
This moment marks a huge shift not just for Kotb, but for the Today show family. While her exit is undeniably difficult for her colleagues and fans, it’s also a testament to her character. Hoda Kotb has always led with heart, and this decision is no different. Whether on-screen or off, she’s a woman who knows what matters most.
In case you forgot, Kotb’s journey to motherhood is also a touching part of her story. After starting a relationship with financier Joel Schiffman in 2013, Kotb adopted her first daughter, Haley, in 2017, followed by her second daughter, Hope, in 2019. Though she and Schiffman were briefly engaged, Kotb announced their split in early 2022. Now, she’s ready to embark on this next chapter with her daughters by her side.
Hoda Kotb has announced that she is leaving TODAY early next year. pic.twitter.com/sXuRsDbNnI
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 26, 2024
Kotb’s departure leaves a significant void in morning television, but her decision to step back at the peak of her career to embrace motherhood is something only Hoda could pull off with such grace. The countdown to her farewell is on, but one thing’s for sure: she’ll always be a part of the Today family.
