On a Thursday in late September, Hoda Kotb shared some bittersweet news with the Today team through an emotional letter. In a message filled with gratitude and reflection, she announced her decision to step away from the long-running talk show, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Leaving with Love and Gratitude
In her heartfelt message, Hoda opened up about the complexity of her emotions. "As I write this, my heart is all over the map. I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one," she confessed. "And you all are the reason why." Hoda emphasized the duality of her feelings, acknowledging both her deep love for the show and her readiness to move on. "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," she wrote with sincerity.
A Journey Spanning 26 Years
Hoda’s time at NBC has been nothing short of extraordinary. Reflecting on her career, she expressed immense gratitude for the incredible journey she’s shared with her colleagues. "My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you’ve been beside me on this 26-year adventure," she noted. She fondly recalled the milestones of her career, including her decade at Dateline, her seven years on the 7 o'clock hour, and her 16 years on the 10 o'clock hour. "I’m picturing your faces and your families and all the ways you’ve lifted me up and inspired me. That’s my heart singing," she wrote with deep appreciation.
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Celebrating Life and Milestones
Hoda celebrated her 60th birthday on August 9 with a grand bash on the Today plaza, surrounded by special surprises and cherished memories. She took the opportunity to thank her cohosts and colleagues who have become lifelong friends. "Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Dylan Dreyer, Carson Daly, and Sheinelle Jones — you’ve made working on Today an absolute joy," she expressed with heartfelt gratitude. These individuals have not only been her professional partners but also her family away from home.
A Difficult but Necessary Decision
Hoda revealed that this wasn't an impulsive decision but one she had been contemplating for quite some time. Her 60th birthday celebration acted as a pivotal moment, providing clarity about her future. "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," she wrote. Despite the sadness of leaving, Hoda is excited about the next phase of her life. "I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited," she concluded with optimism.
Hoda shares daughters Haley and Hope with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman. While she will step away from Today, she plans to remain an integral part of the NBC family, concluding her tenure on the show in early 2025.
A Promise to Stay Connected
Hoda reassured her team and fans that everything would be alright. "But one thing I know for sure right now is this: everything’s going to be just fine," she emphasized. "The Peacock’s feathers are never ruffled … no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its amazing people — all of you — never waver. You always weather change with grace and guts," she concluded with admiration.
In her closing remarks, Hoda expressed her intention to stay connected with the NBC family. "Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine," she wrote with affection.
During the Today broadcast where Hoda made her tearful announcement, Savannah Guthrie, 52, clarified that Hoda is not leaving the NBC family entirely. "People have to know she’s not leaving the NBC family. She’s not. She’ll always be here and be a part of us and we’ll see her," Savannah reassured viewers with a warm smile.
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