It’s been just over a month since Hoda Kotb stepped away from her long-time role on Today, and she couldn’t be happier with her decision. The TV personality, who has been a beloved face on morning television for years, recently opened up about her transition to a new chapter in her life, proving that change can be a good thing—even for someone as iconic as Hoda.
Hoda, now 60, chatted with Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier at the 2025 Super Bowl, where she was all smiles as she shared an update on her life post-"Today." With a warm and genuine demeanor, Hoda explained how her decision to leave the show was one of the best she’s ever made. “I woke up on the very first day after I made my decision, and everything felt right,” she said. “It was like, ‘Okay, this is where I’m supposed to be.’ Even my little girl, who ran down the stairs that morning, looked at me and said, ‘You’re here!’ And I thought, ‘Yes, I am.’ It’s been such a confirmation that this was the right decision.”
A New Chapter, But Still Connected to 'Today'
While her departure from the show may mark the end of an era, Hoda is quick to point out that it’s not a total goodbye. “Savannah and Craig are doing an amazing job in the mornings,” she said, beaming with pride. “And Jenna? Oh, she’s surrounded by such a great team. I love watching them all work together. It’s like watching a beautiful machine run smoothly. Honestly, it’s been so rewarding to step back and see how they’ve all grown into their roles.”
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Of course, Hoda’s fans were thrilled to see her enjoying herself at the Super Bowl, where she posed for photos with celebrities like Kevin Costner and Harry Connick Jr. Her presence at the event was a reminder that while she may have stepped away from her daily role on "Today," she’s still very much in the spotlight and having a blast doing it.
Why Hoda Left, and What Comes Next
Hoda’s final episode on "Today" aired on January 10, and since then, Craig Melvin has taken over as Savannah Guthrie’s morning coanchor. But don’t worry—Hoda isn’t disappearing entirely. She recently signed a new contract with NBC, meaning fans can still expect to see her making appearances on the network in the future. “It’s not like I’m burning any bridges,” an insider told Closer last month. “The door will always be open for her, possibly even for the occasional cameo. But Hoda’s ready for this new chapter. That being said, she’ll definitely miss the people she worked with every day.”
What's Next for Hoda?
Hoda’s work life isn’t slowing down anytime soon, as the broadcaster has already teased an exciting new project with none other than Joanna Gaines. While the details are still under wraps, many are hoping it’s home improvement-related, given Hoda’s recent move into a new home in the suburbs. “Remember I was talking about repotting—gotta take first steps… We have something fun cooking! Come along on the great adventure… Stay tuned,” Hoda captioned a series of Instagram photos with Joanna, 46, on February 5.
And of course, Hoda has been spending more quality time with her two daughters, Haley and Hope, since leaving the show that made her a household name. “She has so many wonderful friends on the show, and the reality is she won’t see most of them anymore,” the insider added. “But she’s going to take a breather. It won’t be some long break, though—she’s already got a new project in the works to keep her interested.”
“Her big focus will be her daughters, but she’s not going to be sitting home twiddling her thumbs when they’re busy with school,” the source continued. “She still wants to work, but it will be a nice relief to not have to be up and out of the house every day before the sun’s up.”
