Hoda Kotb Opens Up About Her Farewell to the Today Show

Let’s talk about Hoda Kotb, the legendary Today Show co-host who has captured the hearts of millions. While she clearly cherishes her time on the show, she recently revealed that there’s one thing she definitely won’t miss about her early morning gig. Now, this isn’t a surprise to anyone who’s ever had to set an alarm for the crack of dawn, but Hoda put it into perspective during a candid chat on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Waking Up at 3:00 AM? Not Missing It

During her appearance on the December 18 episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers, Hoda, who’s now 60 years old, was asked point-blank if she would miss waking up at the ungodly hour of 3:00 a.m. every single morning to prep for the Today Show. Her response? A resounding “No, I will not miss that.” Hoda elaborated by saying, “Sometimes I push it to 3:15, but let’s be honest, that alarm usually goes off at 3:00.”

More Sleep? Yes, Please!

Hoda made it crystal clear that sleeping in a little later is something she’s eagerly looking forward to. However, there’s one thing about her Today Show days that she will genuinely miss, and that’s the NBC Commissary. For those who don’t know, the Commissary is a cafeteria of sorts at NBC, and Hoda has a soft spot for it. “I’ll tell you something about the NBC Commissary—I love the NBC Commissary,” she confessed to host Seth Meyers. She went on to say, “In fact, when my kids come to hang out or see me at work, the only thing they ask for is to go up to the ninth floor of the Commissary because it’s got a good spread.”

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A Look Back: The Commissary Then and Now

Seth Meyers, ever the jokester, quipped, “Would you have missed the Commissary 15 years ago?” Hoda, with a laugh, admitted, “No, I would not.” She then reflected on how her feelings about the Commissary have evolved over the years. She’ll miss the staff members, the NBC gym, and the camaraderie that comes with being part of such a close-knit team.

Reflecting on Her Time in the Spotlight

As Hoda looks back on her illustrious career, she admitted that while she’ll miss certain aspects of being on the air, one moment in particular really hit home for her—the Rockefeller Tree Lighting. “I think so many of those things are beautiful, but the last tree lighting that we just had, that one sort of weirdly hit me,” she shared. She went on to explain, “It was like once we did the three, two, one, and the tree lit up, I was thinking to myself, I looked around for a second.”

Hoda explained that while many moments in her career may have passed her by without her fully realizing it, this time was different. “I was totally in it,” she said, recalling the televised event that took place on December 4. “I was like, ‘This is it right now.’”

A New Chapter Awaits

Despite stepping away from her regular spot on NBC broadcasts, Hoda made it clear that she still plans to tune in to The Today Show and all the programs she’s been a part of. Her passion for the show and her colleagues remains unwavering, and she’s excited to watch from the comfort of her own home. After all, you don’t just walk away from a show that’s become such a significant part of your life without a little nostalgia.

Hoda Kotb Reveals the 1 Thing She 'Will Not Miss' About Working on 'Today' After Her Exit — NDZ/Star Max/GC Images

A Heartfelt Farewell

In September, Hoda announced her decision to step down from the Today Show after more than a decade. In a heartfelt letter to her NBC coworkers, which she also shared with viewers, she expressed her mixed emotions. “As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” she wrote. “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.”

Hoda admitted that the idea of leaving the show had been on her mind for quite some time. However, it was her 60th birthday that really made her reflect. “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,” she explained.