Carson Daly On Hoda Kotb's Departure: "I Won't Be Able To See Her Every Day"

Carson Daly Opens Up About Hoda Kotb's Upcoming Exit from 'Today'

There's no denying that Hoda Kotb leaving the 'Today' show early next year is a big deal, and Carson Daly isn't shy about how he feels. In a candid conversation with People on Wednesday, October 9, Carson admitted he's feeling the emotions. "I'm pretty bummed and 'sad' that Hoda Kotb is leaving," he shared, emphasizing just how much her presence means to the team. "Selfishly, when she eventually goes, I won’t be able to see her every day. That's the first thing, when you love somebody—it's such a family. It can't be faked," he explained, his voice tinged with heartfelt sincerity.

Why Waking Up Early is Worth It for Carson

For those of us who aren’t morning people, the idea of getting up at an "ungodly hour" to make it to work on time sounds like a nightmare. But for Carson Daly, 51, it’s not as bad as you might think. "When you actually love the people you work with, it makes it that much more enjoyable," Carson told People, explaining why waking up early is bearable. "So that was my first thought." But he didn’t stop there. "Then my second thought was just being so happy for her that she’s made a decision that’s better for her and her family and her life moving forward. So yeah, she’s the best," he added with admiration.

Carson Daly isn’t just a host on 'Today'; he’s also the face of 'The Voice,' a show that keeps him busy, but clearly, the camaraderie he shares with his 'Today' colleagues makes the grind worth it. It’s this connection that makes Hoda’s departure even harder for him to process.

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Looking Ahead: Hoda’s Final Months on 'Today'

Luckily, the 'Today' crew still has a few months left with Hoda Kotb before she steps away from the show early next year. Even though her time on 'Today' is winding down, Hoda will remain a part of the NBC family. "We’re celebrating her and glad she’s still in the building," Carson said, ensuring fans that Hoda's presence won't be completely gone. Hoda first broke the news of her departure on September 26, revealing her desire to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley and Hope. As she enjoys her final months with her colleagues, the emotional impact of her decision has not been lost on her team.

Carson's Recent Adventures with Family

It’s been an eventful few months for Carson Daly, who recently attended the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards with his son, Jackson, and the 2024 Emmys with his wife, Siri Daly. The MTV VMAs, in particular, held a special place in Carson’s heart as it marked his son’s first award show. "It was his first award show, it was great. It was really full circle for me," Carson said on 'Today' following the event. "He got to see everybody. And MTV, it’s like being backstage at an old school Las Vegas show. There’s lots of scantily clad young ladies walking around. I had to pick his jaw off the ground a few times," he joked.

Carson also reminisced about reconnecting with old friends at the event, adding, "I saw a bunch of old friends, it was great." Fans were thrilled to hear about Carson’s outing with his eldest child. Carson, who is also a dad to daughters Etta, London, and Goldie with Siri, is clearly enjoying watching his son grow into a young man. "My teenager is 15. He’s starting to drive, so that’s been kind of crazy," Carson previously told People. "I have a pickup truck, so he drives my truck. It’s going great. He’s a really good driver," he shared proudly.

As Carson reflected on his family life, he mentioned, "We’re just [doing] little stuff right now. He’s got some time. Because in New York, you don’t get your license until you’re 17, which is crazy to me. But 17." Carson’s heartfelt words about his family and his professional life paint a picture of a man deeply invested in both worlds.