A New Chapter Begins for Hoda Kotb
Back in early September, beloved TV personality Hoda Kotb embarked on a new journey as she walked her daughters to their first day at a new school. Picture this: Hoda, the ever-relatable mom, carrying her coffee, wearing sneakers, and blending right in with the other parents. It was a moment she cherished deeply.
“I carried a coffee and I had sneakers [on], and I walked my kids to school like normal people,” Hoda, now 60, shared with her audience during an on-air segment. “It was awesome. It felt like the start of something big, and it was.” This simple act symbolized a shift in her life, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with personal growth and family focus.
A Bold Decision: Stepping Down from Today
Change wasn’t just happening in the form of a new school or a house in the suburbs. Just a few weeks later, Hoda made a monumental announcement: she would step down as an anchor of Today early next year. This wasn’t a decision made lightly, but rather one born out of deep reflection.
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“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” Hoda explained, her voice filled with both excitement and a hint of nostalgia. For someone who’s spent 17 incredible years on air, this was more than just a career move—it was a life choice. She’s making her daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, her top priority, and who could blame her?
A Friend’s Perspective on Hoda’s Transition
“She’ll still contribute to NBC, which she loves and calls home, but she’s looking forward to being somewhat of a stay-at-home mom,” a close friend revealed. It’s clear that while Hoda is stepping away from the daily grind of anchoring, she isn’t stepping away from the network she holds dear. Instead, she’s carving out a space where she can balance her professional passions with her role as a mother.
Hope’s Illness: A Turning Point
The seeds of this life-altering decision were planted earlier in 2023 when Hope faced a serious illness. It was a scary time for Hoda, one that forced her to confront her priorities in a way she hadn’t before.
“She really thought long and hard about her priorities,” the friend explained, shedding light on Hoda’s thought process. During Hope’s recovery, Hoda took two crucial weeks off from Today, a decision that spoke volumes about her values. “Any parent who’s been through a scary thing with their child understands,” Hoda said, her voice reflecting the emotions of countless parents. “It’s like you just can’t believe your child’s sick. You can’t believe that there’s nothing you can do.”
In that pivotal moment, Hoda realized something profound: she wanted to be there for her daughters—not just during the tough times, but during all the beautiful, everyday moments too. “Life is short,” her friend emphasized. “She wants no regrets about raising her girls.”
Viewership and Financial Considerations
With Today’s shrinking viewership, NBC reportedly approached Hoda—earning a hefty $20 million a year—with a request for a pay cut. For Hoda, this made it easier to walk away from the show after 17 remarkable years. But don’t get me wrong, this isn’t goodbye forever.
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“NBC would love for Hoda to stay, but they understand her personal reasons for leaving,” her friend clarified, putting any rumors of tension to rest. “Hoda’s hoping to do some specials and fill in from time to time. She’s not planning on disappearing from the network.”
A New Home and Fresh Beginnings
Hoda’s new life chapter includes a stunning $2,895,000 home she reportedly purchased in Bronxville, New York, according to Realtor.com. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom center-hall Colonial is more than just a house—it’s a place where Hoda and her family can create lasting memories. The spacious backyard offers a perfect playground for her daughters, while the patio provides the perfect spot for Hoda to entertain friends and family.
“She’s planning some renovations,” her friend shared, hinting at exciting changes ahead. It’s clear that Hoda is ready to put down roots and focus on what truly matters: family, home, and happiness.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
“Obviously, I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie,” Hoda reflected. “I feel like we only have a finite amount of time.” Her words resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the tug of balancing career and family.
Although this decision wasn’t easy, Hoda is at peace with it. “It is bittersweet,” her friend admitted. “But she’ll keep busy.” With new adventures on the horizon, Hoda is ready to embrace whatever comes next with grace and determination.
