It was an emotional moment on the set of the Today show when Sheinelle Jones, 46, found herself wiping away tears as her colleague, Hoda Kotb, 60, made the heartfelt announcement that she would be stepping away from the morning show. As one of the hosts of the third hour of Today on weekdays, Sheinelle has grown close to Hoda over the years, and it was evident how much this decision meant to everyone involved. Savannah Guthrie also couldn’t hold back her tears during the announcement, which took place on Thursday, September 26.
A New Chapter for Hoda Kotb
As Hoda Kotb stood on the stage, she revealed that her recent 60th birthday celebration was the turning point that led her to make this life-changing decision. "Turning 60 made me realize it was time for me to turn the page and try something new," she said. "This is the right time for me to move on." Hoda went on to explain that her decision wasn't just about her career—it was also about her family. With daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, she feels it's time to dedicate more time to them and her mom. "They need and deserve a bigger slice of my time," she wrote in a heartfelt letter to her team.
Her Final Episode and NBC Legacy
Hoda's final episode as a regular on the Today show is set for January 1, 2025. But don't worry, fans—she isn't leaving NBC altogether. Hoda will remain with NBC News in an unspecified role after her departure. In her letter, Hoda expressed the bittersweet nature of her decision. "As I write this, my heart is all over the map. I know it's the right decision, but it's painful. You all are the reason why," she said. "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."
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Reflecting on Her Journey at NBC
Hoda's career at NBC News has been nothing short of remarkable. She started as a correspondent in 1998 and eventually found herself co-hosting the fourth hour of the Today show with the legendary Kathie Lee Gifford in 2008. When Kathie Lee retired, Jenna Bush Hager stepped in to continue the show's legacy. In 2018, Hoda became the official co-host alongside Savannah Guthrie, further cementing her place in the Today family. Reflecting on her journey, Hoda wrote, "My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you've been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure."
In her heartfelt letter, Hoda thanked everyone who has been a part of her journey, naming her closest colleagues as family. "Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al [Roker]: my longest friend at 30 Rock. Craig [Melvin], Carson [Daly], Sheinelle and Dylan [Dreyer]: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders," she wrote. "I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY desperately." It's clear that Hoda's departure will leave a void, but her legacy at NBC will endure for years to come.
