Hoda Kotb Steps Down from ‘Today’ Show After 17 Years

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Hoda Kotb, the beloved co-host of NBC‘s “Today” show, officially stepped down last week after 17 years on the morning program. Her departure marks the end of an era for the long-running show, as Craig Melvin made his debut as her replacement alongside Savannah Guthrie on Monday.

Kotb, 59, celebrated her newfound freedom by turning off her early morning alarms, which she shared in an Instagram post. “No alarm…whaaaaaaaattttt???” she captioned a photo of her phone showing alarms for 3:00 a.m., 3:15 a.m., and 3:30 a.m. The post quickly garnered attention from fans, who expressed their support for her next chapter.

On Melvin’s first day as co-anchor, the show paid tribute to Kotb with a heartfelt video montage of her career highlights. Guthrie handed Melvin a letter from Kotb, which he read live on air. “Day One, you are ready surrounded by love. Your team is the kind you can only dream of,” Kotb wrote. “Savannah, Al [Roker], and Carson [Daly] are here! With partners like these, your runway is clear.”

Kotb also shared a message on Instagram, reflecting on new beginnings. “And suddenly you know…It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings,” she wrote. “Here’s to everyone starting fresh—@craigmelvinnbc and @savannahguthrie ….. @jennabushhager and friends.. and to me! Let’s do this!”

Melvin, 45, was visibly emotional during his debut, especially when his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, and their two children, Delano, 10, and Sybil, 8, surprised him on set. “When I left this morning, you were all in bed!” Melvin exclaimed. Delano, dressed in a matching navy suit, confidently told his father, “I’m professional!” as he sat beside him.

Sybil added to the emotional moment by reading a note she wrote about her father. “My dad loves to play with me. He loves tickle fights and he watches TV shows with me,” she said, prompting Melvin to tear up and hug his children.

Kotb, a mother to daughters Haley, 8, and Hope, 5, has said she plans to spend more time with her family while considering her next professional move. Her departure from “Today” marks a significant shift for the show, which has been a staple of morning television for decades.