Kotb was joined by her co-hosts when she announced the tearful news, including Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones.
Hoda cited wanting to spend more time with her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, as a factor into her decision. She also shared a letter to the “Today” staff about stepping down.
“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” she wrote. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. 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.”
Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on “Today.” NBC
“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life,” she continued. “But only because you’ve been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is nuts. 26 years at NBC News — Ten years at ‘Dateline,’ seven on the seven o’clock hour, sixteen on the ten o’clock hour.”
“I’m picturing your faces and your families and all the ways you’ve lifted me up and inspired me. That’s my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become some of my most cherished friendships.”
“Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY desperately.”
Savannah Guthrie gets emotional about Hoda Kotb leaving “Today.” NBC Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb on “Today” in August 2024. Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
“I’ve been weighing this decision for quite a while — Am I truly ready?” she went on. “But, my sixtieth birthday celebration on the Plaza felt like a shift. Like a massive, joyful YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly: my broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.”
“Because I’ll be working through the beginning of 2025, there’s plenty of time to talk about what’s ahead for all of us. But one thing I know for sure right now is this: everything’s going to be just fine. 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.”
Kotb has had made roles on the network through the years. She previously worked on “Dateline,” and the fourth hour of “Today” with Kathie Lee Gifford. She and Hager have been working side by side since “Today with Hoda & Jenna” premiered on April 8, 2019.
Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager on “Today” in April 2024. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
Although she’s exiting “Today,” she will be working with the network in some capacity in the future. Those details, however, have yet to be revealed.
“Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart,” she concluded her letter. “I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.”
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