Here’s the scoop: Last week on "Today," Sheinelle Jones stepped in for Hoda Kotb during the September 25 episode, leaving viewers scratching their heads about Hoda’s absence. But don’t worry, folks, she’s back and ready to spill the tea. On September 26, when Hoda returned to the show, she opened up about her decision to take a much-needed break. Let’s dive into what happened and why it’s so important for all of us to listen to our bodies and minds.
During her return, Hoda, 59, shared an important lesson with her cohost, Jenna Bush Hager. “You know what I learned yesterday, which I have to remind myself even at this stage in life?” she asked Jenna. “Sometimes you just have to stop.” It’s a simple yet profound realization that many of us can relate to. Life gets busy, and before we know it, we’re running on empty. Hoda’s confession is a powerful reminder that taking a step back is not a sign of weakness—it’s a necessity.
Hoda admitted to feeling "cranky" and "run down" earlier in the week, which prompted her to take a day off to recharge. Think about it—how many times have we pushed through exhaustion, ignoring the warning signs our bodies are sending us? Hoda realized that she couldn’t keep going at the same pace without taking a break. It’s a lesson we could all benefit from, whether we’re juggling careers, family, or both.
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“Sometimes you’re run down because you’re trying to do everything for everybody, and you realize, like, ‘I have to stop,’” Hoda continued. “Because you can’t continue that way.” It’s a universal truth that many of us can relate to. We often put others first, forgetting to take care of ourselves. But as Hoda wisely points out, if we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t be able to take care of anyone else either.
A Day of Rest and Reflection
Hoda took the time to focus on what truly matters—her family. She spent quality time with her daughters, Haley and Hope, cooking them dinner and tucking them into bed. After a long day of giving her all to her work, she realized that she needed to recharge. “I slept and I slept, and I slept and I slept, and I slept,” she told the "Today" audience. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is to unplug and rest.
“You know how you don’t realize how much you haven’t been sleeping, and all of a sudden I woke up and it was two in the morning, and I was looking around and go, ‘My God, I have a sick day tomorrow,’” she joked. But the truth is, Hoda was prioritizing her health. She added, “I know a lot of people don’t have the luxury of saying, ‘I need to stop,’ but sometimes if you don’t slow down, you are going to stop yourself later on.”
Earlier Departures: A Glimpse Into Hoda’s Priorities
This isn’t the first time Hoda has put her family first. On September 6, she disappeared midway through a "Today" broadcast, leaving Craig Melvin to step in. Her quick exit left fans wondering, but she quickly explained, “I’m taking my kids to school!” she said, turning to the production team and asking, “OK, can I leave right now?”
After dropping her kids off at school, Hoda returned to the "Today" set and got back to work. Before the start of the new school year for Haley, 6, and Hope, 4, the journalist went on a family vacation to Mexico. “It was magical,” she gushed over the trip during an episode of "Today" on September 3. “Everybody was happy, everybody was healthy, everybody was— it was one of those that you just said, ‘Thank you. We’re all here, we all feel good.’”
Final Thoughts: The Importance of Self-Care
Hoda Kotb’s story is a powerful reminder that even the busiest among us need to take breaks. Whether it’s a day off to sleep or a quick family getaway, taking care of ourselves is essential. As Hoda so wisely put it, sometimes you just have to stop—and that’s okay. So, the next time you’re feeling run down, remember Hoda’s words: slow down, take a breath, and give yourself the break you deserve.
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