Hoda Kotb Bids ‘Today’ Show a Fond, Tearful Farewell
Don’t worry, she’ll still be on NBC
After 26 years at NBC, Today cohost Hoda Kotb announced on Sept. 26 that she’ll leave the show early in 2025, though she’ll still stay connected with NBC News. I just turned 60, and it was such a monumental moment for me, Kotb told viewers. What does that decade mean? What does it hold? What’s it going to have for me? And I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new.
She got emotional, bringing tears to her cohost Savannah Guthrie, 52, who ended up laughing when her false eyelash fell off and she handed it to Kotb.
Kotb (pronounced “KOT-bee”) has coanchored Today with Guthrie since 2018, filling in after Matt Lauer left amid allegations. She joined NBC in 1998 with Dateline and moved to Today in 2007.
Kotb is known for her positive and insightful presence. She’s especially loved by many, including AARP members. She graced the cover of AARP The Magazine in 2013 alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and hosted the 2021 AARP Movies for Grownups Awards.
Kotb shared with viewers: I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of the time pie that I have, adding, I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. In 2017, she adopted her first daughter, Haley.
Many in their 50s and beyond resonate with Kotb’s thoughtful take on making the most out of life.
This is a time in life for looking inside you and figuring out what your yearnings are, your callings – where or what direction you’re headed during this new decade, she shared with The New York Times.
In a heartfelt note to Today staffers, she mentioned various colleagues, including Jenna Bush Hager and Al Roker, 70: Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock.
She wrote, 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.
