Behind the Scenes: The Inside Story on Hoda Kotb's Departure
Here’s the scoop, straight from the insiders: Hoda Kotb, the beloved face of NBC's Today, was practically nudged out of the show by her coanchors, Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager. But now, there’s a twist in the tale. A source exclusively reveals to Closer that Savannah and Jenna are scared—yes, scared—that the much-loved TV personality might become a powerhouse in her next chapter and potentially turn on them.
Let me break this down for you: “Savannah and Jenna played a part in pushing Hoda out, which many people believe to be true, and they were downright mean about it,” an insider tells us. “Now, they realize how bad this looks for them, and they're frantically trying to fix the damage they caused.”
Hoda Kotb's Big Announcement
On September 26, during an emotional episode of Today, the 60-year-old journalist made her big announcement. Hoda is set to leave the show early in 2025. But here’s the kicker: she'll remain part of the NBC family. Reports suggest that Hoda was being asked to slash her multimillion-dollar salary and deal with some tough personalities behind the scenes. That's a lot for anyone to handle.
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“In recent years, they’ve been incredibly rude to Hoda—snubbing her from weekend playdates with their kids and dinners out—and now, they’re deeply regretful,” the source says of Savannah, 52, and Jenna, 42. It seems like they’ve realized the error of their ways too late.
The Fear Factor: What’s Next for Savannah and Jenna?
As Hoda’s departure in early 2025 approaches, Savannah and Jenna are scrambling to mend fences. “They’re throwing flattery and small tokens of affection at Hoda, terrified that she could cause a lot of damage now that she’s stepping away,” the insider explains. It’s almost like they’re trying to cover their tracks.
“Hoda has a vast network of friends in broadcasting. Her reputation is rock solid, and they’ve come to realize that. It wouldn’t serve Savannah and Jenna well to appear selfish now,” the source adds. It seems like the tables have turned, and Hoda holds the upper hand now.
Just this month, another source told Closer that Hoda wasn’t gelling well with Savannah and Jenna, and she’s more than ready to move on. After years of being on air with NBC, Hoda has truly carved her own path. “She’s done it on her terms,” said the source, “and has so much to look forward to, even with the challenge of working a few months’ notice.”
The best part of leaving Today, according to the insider, is that Hoda “won’t have to wake up at dawn anymore, tiptoeing around Savannah, Jenna, or other difficult personalities that she found hard to deal with towards the end.”
What’s Next for Hoda Kotb?
And guess what? Hoda has plenty to look forward to. “She’s got a bunch of exciting opportunities lined up,” the insider shares. “The NBC bosses are desperate to keep her in the fold and are planning to ease her into a more serious anchor role for primetime specials.”
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In an interview with People published on October 11, Hoda hinted at what’s next for her after her last day on Today. “I’m super excited about something that’s still in its early stages. It’s all about wellness, and it’s something that has truly lit me up from working on myself,” she revealed.
Hoda went on to explain that she’s been exploring various wellness practices, thanks to friends like Maria Shriver. “I’ve been diving into breathwork and other techniques, and I’ve absolutely loved it,” she said. The journalist mentioned that the project involves creating a “top-notch wellness app and organizing wellness retreats.”
While her new venture is still in the works, Hoda is clearly excited about exploring this new chapter. “It’s down the road, but it’s something I’m eager to dive into and see what’s out there,” she concluded.
