Hoda Kotb Opens Up About Leaving ‘Today’: Why Saying Goodbye Was So Hard

Hoda Kotb Gets Emotional While Announcing Her Departure From 'Today'

After revealing that she will be stepping away from Today, Hoda Kotb opened up about why it was one of the hardest decisions she's ever had to make. The news sent shockwaves through her co-stars and viewers at home. On the September 26 episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna, the 60-year-old anchor teared up as she spoke candidly with her cohost Jenna Bush Hager about closing this incredible chapter of her career. It wasn't just about leaving a job—it was about saying goodbye to a family she’s built over the years.

As she sat across from Jenna, Hoda paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I thought about you, of course, because relationships like ours don’t come around every day. This connection is one in a million,” Hoda said, her voice cracking with emotion. Tears streamed down her face as she added, “Saying goodbye to something that’s not working, something that’s tired, or something you no longer want—it’s easy. But saying goodbye to something that’s absolutely amazing? That’s hard.”

Jenna Bush Hager Joins in on the Emotional Moment

Jenna Bush Hager, 42, couldn’t hold back her own emotions during the heartfelt conversation. “It’s really hard,” Jenna chimed in, her face covered in tears. The two shared a warm embrace, which was captured in a video posted by the show’s official Instagram page. It was clear that this wasn’t just an on-air moment—it was a genuine exchange between two women who have grown to mean so much to each other.

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A Farewell Announcement With the Whole Team

Earlier in the day, Hoda was joined by Jenna and the rest of the Today cohosts—Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Sheinelle Jones—as she made the announcement public. The atmosphere in the studio was electric with emotion, as everyone grappled with the reality of Hoda’s departure early next year.

Savannah, 52, was so overcome with emotion that one of her fake eyelashes fell off while she wiped away tears. “Here’s my lash!” she joked, passing it to some of her co-stars, who were understandably grossed out. “I don’t want to hold a lash, that’s okay,” Al, 70, quipped, trying to lighten the mood even as his own eyes glistened with unshed tears.

But through the laughter and tears, Jenna reassured Hoda that their bond wouldn’t end with this transition. “It’s not over,” Jenna told her cohost. “I’m going to show up at your house like the stalker you are to Zac Brown. I’ll be there on your doorstep, and we’re your friends forever.”

Behind the Scenes: A Lasting Friendship

What viewers see on screen is only part of the story. Hoda and Jenna share a deep friendship both on and off the show. Over the years, they’ve spent countless hours together, celebrating holidays, supporting each other’s families, and creating memories that go far beyond their professional relationship.

Hoda, who is a mom to two young daughters, Haley and Hope, reflected on the decision in a heartfelt letter to the Today staff. “I realized that turning 60 was the perfect time for me to try something new,” she wrote. “Standing outside and looking at all of you with those beautiful signs, I thought, ‘This is what it feels like to be at the top of the wave.’ And I knew it couldn’t get any better. So, I decided it was the right time for me to move on.”

Though she’s leaving Today, Hoda confirmed that she’ll remain part of the NBC family. While her next career move hasn’t been officially announced, it’s clear that she has exciting plans ahead. For now, she’s focused on embracing this new chapter with gratitude and grace.

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“As I write this, my heart is all over the place,” Hoda admitted. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And the reason it hurts so much is because of all of you. They say two things can be true at the same time, and I’m feeling that deeply right now. I love you, and it’s time for me to leave the show.”