Hoda Kotb Announces Departure from NBC’s ‘TODAY’ Show

Hoda Kotb, a cherished figure on NBC‘s “TODAY” show for nearly two decades, has announced her decision to step down from the network’s flagship morning program. The announcement was made on Thursday, with Kotb expressing her desire to pursue new experiences after turning 60 in August. “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” Kotb shared, emotional and surrounded by her fellow hosts.

Kotb has been a co-anchor of “TODAY” alongside Savannah Guthrie since early 2018, marking a historic move as they became the show’s first all-female anchor team. In response to the news, Guthrie, visibly moved, stated, “The ‘TODAY’ team doesn’t want to imagine this place without you,” commending Kotb for her courage and stating that she is leaving “at the top of her game.”

Al Roker, the beloved “TODAY” weatherman, expressed his admiration for Kotb, saying, “I have never known anybody like you… I’ve known you forever, and love you.” The announcement elicited emotional responses from the “TODAY” family, with each member sharing heartfelt tributes.

Kotb explained that her decision was also influenced by a desire to spend more time with her family, including her young daughters and her mother. She mentioned that they “need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie.” Although she will step down from “TODAY,” Kotb plans to continue her association with NBC in an unspecified role.

Hoda Kotb joined NBC in 1998 as a correspondent for “Dateline.” Before her role as co-anchor on “TODAY,” she co-hosted the show’s fourth hour alongside Kathie Lee Gifford, later partnered with Jenna Bush Hager. Kotb stepped into the “TODAY” co-anchor role in November 2017 and officially took over in 2018.

During Kotb’s tenure, she and Guthrie have guided the “TODAY” news hours through significant historical events, such as the presidencies of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Kotb has also shared personal stories, including her battle with breast cancer and the adoptions of her daughters, Haley and Hope.

“There’s plenty of time to talk about what’s ahead for all of us,” Kotb wrote in a message to her colleagues at “TODAY.” She expressed confidence, stating, “One thing I know for sure right now is this: everything’s going to be just fine. ‘TODAY’ and its amazing people — all of you — never waver. You always weather change with grace.”