Hoda Kotb just announced she'll be leaving the TODAY show at the beginning of 2025, and things got real emotional, really fast.
Early this morning, the beloved morning show host revealed that she'll be stepping down as co-anchor after devoting decades of groundbreaking journalism and feel-good stories to the network. She delivered the news surrounded by her TODAY show family including Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, and Sheinelle Jones.
Hoda made the decision shortly after her 60th birthday in August, confessing that reaching that milestone made her want to try something new and spend more time with her children Haley, 7, and Hope, 5.
"I was doing the math," Hoda said while trying to hold back tears. "And I realized that I spent 26 years at NBC, 16 years on the 10 [o'clock hour morning show with Kathie Lee Gifford and later Jenna Bush Hager], and seven years with you [referring to cohosting with Savannah Guthrie]."
"It was time for me to turn the page at 60 and try something new." Hoda went on to reflect on the show's 60th birthday party for her and all of the celebratory signs fans made for her. “I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the top of the wave feels like for me.’ And I thought it can’t get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.”
Hoda joined NBC News as a Dateline correspondent in 1998 and would later join TODAY in 2007, where she cohosted the show's fun and lighthearted fourth-hour segment alongside Kathie Lee Gifford, where they formed a loyal fanbase. Hoda now cohosts the fourth hour of TODAY with Jenna Bush Hager.
In November 2017, Hoda stepped in as TODAY's temporary co-anchor after Matt Lauer was fired following allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior. She earned a permanent co-anchor position in 2018 after receiving so much positive feedback from fans and the network. Hoda and Savannah have been partners ever since.
From her celebrity interviews to chronicling her own personal stories of breast cancer and adoption, Hoda has continued to bring so much life into the show. The TODAY anchors have always navigated the show like a family, which is another reason fans can't get enough of them and their undeniable chemistry.
"Because I’ll be working through the beginning of 2025, there’s plenty of time to talk about what’s ahead for all of us," Hoda penned for social media. "But one thing I know for sure right now is this: everything’s going to be just fine. The Peacock’s feathers are never ruffled…no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its amazing people — all of you — never waver. You always weather change with grace and guts."
"Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart,” she added. “I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family, and you all will always be a part of mine."
Despite being shocked and saddened by the news, fans were very supportive of her decision. Here's what some had to say on Instagram:
...as well as YouTube:
After breaking the news, fellow TODAY cohosts shared stories of what it's been like working with Hoda and their sweet memories together. Watch the heartwarming moment below:
View this video on YouTube
You can also read Hoda's farewell letter here.
Oh, Hoda, you've brought so much joy and laughter to the TODAY show! You will truly be missed!
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