Hoda Kotb on NBC’s “Today” on August 12, 2024 in New York City. | Source: NDZ/Star Max / Getty
Goodbye Today, Hello Tomorrow!
After seven years, Hoda Kotb is leaving the Today show.
The co-host tearfully announced her resignation this morning on the show. She officially leaves in early 2025 but implies that she will still be working within the NBC News network after leaving her current role.
“This is the hardest thing in the world…I’m going to be here through the first of the year…and I’m going to stay with the NBC family…but it’s kind of a big deal for me.” -Hoda Kotb
She explains how her recent 60th birthday and contemplation about the decade ahead led her to making the decision to “turn the page”—feeling as though “it can’t get better”.
Hoda plans to spend more time with her children, Haley (7) and Hope (5), especially after having them later in life.
“I just turned 60…and I realized it was time for me to turn the page, and to try something new…This is what the top of the wave feels like for me…It’s time to move on.” -Hoda Kotb
Kotb joined Today in 2017, taking the place of Matt Lauer (who was fired for inappropriate sexual behavior). She has been with the news organization for a total of 26 years.
Read Hoda’s official resignation letter below (Today.com):
To my TODAY family,
As I write this, my heart is all over the map. I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.
My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you’ve been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is nuts. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o’clock hour, sixteen on the ten o’clock hour. I’m picturing your faces and your families and all the ways you’ve lifted me up and inspired me. That’s my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become some of my most cherished friendships. Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY desperately.
I’ve been weighing this decision for quite a while – Am I truly ready? But, my sixtieth birthday celebration on the Plaza felt like a shift. Like a massive, joyful YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly: my broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.
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. 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. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.
Love,
Hoda
SEE ALSO:
Black Women Saving NBC? Hoda Kotb Becomes ‘Today’ Co-Anchor After Tamron Hall’s Exit
Jada Pinkett Smith Opens Up: Key Takeaways From Explosive ‘Today’ Show Interview
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Goodbye ‘Today,’ Hello Tomorrow: Hoda Kotb Announces Departrure From NBC Morning Show
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