There’s something about taking a leap of faith that makes life worth living, right? Hoda Kotb knows this better than most. The beloved broadcaster is stepping into a brand-new chapter of her life after announcing she’s leaving the Today show, and she’s ready to embrace the unknown.
Hoda Kotb’s Heartfelt Announcement: Why She’s Leaving Today
On a Friday episode of the show back on October 25, Hoda Kotb sat down with her cohost, Jenna Bush Hager, to share the reasons behind her decision to leave the Today show. This wasn’t just any announcement—it was a heartfelt moment that resonated with fans around the globe. Hoda explained how she’s always felt this deep pull, a calling that she couldn’t ignore, no matter how comfortable her life at NBC felt.
“You know how sometimes you have this yearning, this desire that won’t go away, no matter how hard you try?” Hoda, 60, shared with Jenna. “I’ve been feeling this for a while now. Working at NBC has been amazing, it’s safe, it’s secure. But there’s this other part of me that’s been whispering louder and louder, telling me there’s something else I need to explore in my life.”
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The Wellness Space: Where Hoda Finds Her Peace
Hoda went on to explain how she’s been deeply inspired by the wellness space. For her, it’s more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle that’s transformed her from the inside out. “I’ve been experimenting with different things, and I’ve noticed how much better I feel,” she said. “My body feels calmer. I’m getting sick less often. I’m just… better. A better parent, a better friend, a better sister, a better daughter. All these little things I’ve been doing every day have been helping me grow inside.”
She added, “I want to live in wellness. I want to work in that space. I have so many ideas brewing inside me, things I’m hoping to bring to life soon. It’s exciting, but it’s also scary as hell.”
Maria Shriver: Hoda’s Guru in This New Chapter
Hoda isn’t walking this path alone. She’s been leaning on Maria Shriver, whom she calls her “guru,” to guide her through this transition. While she admits it’s a big risk to leave behind the comfort of a well-established career, she’s also incredibly excited about what’s ahead.
“There’s a part of me that hasn’t fully caught up yet,” Hoda confessed. “I’d say about 75 percent of me has emotionally moved into this new phase, but there are still those moments when I think, ‘Is this a mistake? Am I crazy?’ And then I remind myself that it’s normal to feel this way. It’s scary, it’s terrifying, but it’s also exactly where I’m meant to be.”
For Hoda, this isn’t just about leaving a job—it’s about chasing a dream, following her heart, and creating something meaningful for herself and others.
A Year of Change: Moving Forward with Family
It’s been quite the year for Hoda. Not only is she stepping away from the Today show, but she’s also moved into a new home with her two daughters, Haley and Hope. This move wasn’t just about finding a new place to live—it was about creating a fresh start, a space where she and her family could grow together.
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Hoda described how every major life change she’s made has felt like falling in love. “Whenever I’ve made a big leap, I’ve always told myself, ‘I’m falling in love,’” she said. “Whether it’s moving to a new town, meeting a new friend, or even starting a new relationship, it’s all about embracing the unknown and letting yourself be open to what’s ahead.”
Emotional Goodbyes: Hoda’s Final Days on Today
When Hoda made her announcement on September 26, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Her colleagues, fans, and friends were all moved by her courage and grace. Savannah Guthrie, one of Hoda’s closest friends on the show, spoke to Closer about the moment at Project Healthy Mind’s World Mental Health Day Gala on October 10.
“It’s all the feelings, all the emotions,” Savannah said. “Primarily, it’s pride and gratitude for the time we’ve had together. I’m so proud of how courageous Hoda is being. It’s easy to leave something that’s hard, but it’s not easy to leave something that’s wonderful. She loves the Today show, and she knows how blessed she is to have been a part of it. But she’s stepping into this new future with such bravery, even though she doesn’t know exactly what it will look like. She believes in herself enough to take this step, and that’s truly inspiring.”
