Hoda Kotb Shares She's Leaving 'Today' Show In On-Air Announcement

Hoda Kotb, the co-anchor of NBC’s “Today,” on Thursday announced she would leave the show early next year.

“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” she said .

Kotb said her desire to spend more time with her family also factored into her decision.

Kotb was announced as co-anchor of “Today” in January 2018, replacing Matt Lauer, who was fired over allegations of sexual misconduct.

While Kotb is leaving the morning show, she said she will continue to work for NBC. Variety’s Brian Steinberg reports she will continue to contribute to the show even past her departure from the anchor desk.

Kotb’s exit from the “Today” franchise, though, still represents a significant challenge for NBC, The New York Times reported , as the network’s executives have yet to announce a replacement for the popular host, who also regularly appeared on the 10 a.m. hour slot of “Today,” which is hosted by Jenna Bush Hager and Kathie Lee Gifford.

Savannah Guthrie, Kotb’s co-anchor for the first two hours of “Today,” told the Times she was “super heartbroken” over the news, but commended her colleague for having the courage to make this decision.

“It takes such guts to leave a place where you’re so comfortable, so beloved,” Guthrie said.

Kotb also penned a heartfelt letter to the staff members of “Today” to inform them of the “painful” decision she made, while appearing reassuring about the future of the program.

“One thing I know for sure right now is this: everything’s going to be just fine,” she wrote. “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.”

In 2022, Kotb announced she broke up with her partner, Joel Schiffman, after eight years of being together.

“We decided that we’re better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple,” she said at the time.

The couple share two adopted children. Their younger daughter, Hope, spent a few days in an intensive care unit and about a week in the hospital due to a health scare, Kotb revealed in May, following her two-week absence from the show.