When Dylan Dreyer was asked about Hoda Kotb’s upcoming departure from Today, she gave an honest and humorous response that had everyone talking. If you know Dylan, you know she’s not one to shy away from a little lighthearted banter, and this moment was no exception.
Hoda Kotb's Emotional Exit: What Dylan Dreyer Had to Say
“Everybody knows I’m trying to get Al Roker to retire, let’s be honest,” Dylan joked with E! News during a recent interview. Now, before we all start envisioning a weather update-free Today show, let’s remember—this was all in good fun. Dylan’s comment wasn’t serious, but it did highlight the playful camaraderie among the Today crew. It’s clear that Dylan and her colleagues have a great time working together, even as they navigate big changes like Hoda’s departure.
Hoda Kotb's Farewell Letter: Why She's Moving On
Let’s take a step back for a moment and talk about Hoda’s decision to leave Today. At 60 years old, Hoda has decided it’s time to turn the page and try something new. During an emotional episode of the show on September 26, she shared her reasons with her cohosts and viewers. “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” Hoda explained, fighting back tears as her cohosts surrounded her with love and support. She went on to describe how she felt standing outside the studio, looking at the supportive crowd: “This is what the top of the wave feels like for me,” she said. “And I thought, ‘It can’t get better than this.’”
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Hoda’s decision wasn’t made lightly, but it’s clear that she’s ready to focus on the next chapter of her life. While NBC hasn’t announced her official replacement, Hoda has assured fans that she’ll still be part of the NBC family in some capacity, marking her final episode in early 2025.
Who Could Replace Hoda Kotb on 'Today'?
So, who might step into Hoda’s big shoes? Dylan Dreyer weighed in on the topic during an appearance at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. “I don’t think if they named anyone in our core group of people it would be surprising,” Dylan told the outlet. She added, “We’ve all filled in along the way when somebody’s out. I don’t know if anybody’s made any decisions yet, but if it’s one of the core group, I really don’t think it’s that surprising.”
It’s worth noting that Al Roker, who has been a staple on the show for 28 years, has no plans to retire anytime soon—at 70 years old, he’s still going strong. So, don’t expect to see any changes on the weather front just yet.
Dylan expressed her understanding of Hoda’s decision, noting that Hoda wants to spend more time with her two children, Haley and Hope, whom she shares with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman. “I don’t think it’s bad news at all,” Dylan told Us Weekly at the country music event, where she was accompanied by her own family, including her husband, Brian Fichera, and their children, Calvin, Oliver, and Russell. “I’m not surprised that Hoda’s living her life and doing what she wants to do. We’re sad. I mean, I love working with her, but Hoda and I are also neighbors so I’m still going to see Hoda all the time.”
Dylan emphasized the importance of supporting Hoda’s decision, saying, “Selfishly, I still get to keep that friend that we’ve all known and loved. But it’s a family. Whenever anybody leaves, I think we feel it. But she’s still going to be part of our family, and I applaud her for taking the chance and having the guts to do the next thing she wants to do, not on anyone else’s terms.”
