Hoda Kotb, a veteran cohost of NBC’s Today show, announced her departure from the program during an episode on Thursday. At 60 years old, she expressed a desire to embrace new opportunities and experiences, marking her milestone birthday as a pivotal moment in her decision.
Reflecting on her birthday celebration, Kotb shared a poignant memory of feeling surrounded by supportive colleagues and fans, describing it as the pinnacle of her career. She stated, “This is what the top of the wave feels like for me,” leading her to conclude that it was the right time to pursue a new path.
Kotb emphasized her intention to dedicate more time to her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, recognizing the importance of family. “They deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have,” she noted, acknowledging the limited time parents have with their children.
Although she will remain with the Today show until early 2025, her future role within NBC is yet to be detailed. Co-host Savannah Guthrie expressed the love and support Kotb has garnered during her tenure, highlighting the emotional impact of her announcement by pointing out the tears shared among the team.
Having been with NBC for 26 years, including a decade at Dateline, Kotb joined the Today show in 2007. Al Roker, another co-host, praised her as the heart of the program, emphasizing that her presence will be dearly missed.