Hoda Kotb announces she’s leaving Today show after 6 years as co-anchor in ‘painful’ decision

TODAY co-anchor Hoda Kotb announced her departure from the beloved morning show through sobs during Thursday morning’s broadcast in a shocking shakeup.

Hoda was named permanent co-anchor of Today in January 2018 after longtime anchor Matt Lauer was fired for sexual misconduct.

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NBC

“So I was doing the math, and I realized I have spent 26 years at NBC – be cool, be cool,” Hoda started her announcement.

“I just turned 60, and it was such a monumental moment for me when I turned 60 years old…What does that decade mean?…And I realize it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new.”

Hoda continued, recalling a moment celebrating her birthday with her children as “what the top of the wave feels like for me.”

“I thought, it can’t get better. And I decided that this is the right time to move on.”

She noted the adoption of her children later in life and said they “deserve a bigger piece of my time pie.”

Hoda called the decision “the hardest thing in the world” and said she would “stay in the NBC family” but depart Today in early 2025.

She wrote a letter to staff on Thursday sharing her decision to leave.

After her on-air announcement, Hoda’s co-anchor Savannah Guthrie said, “We love you so much.”

“When you look around and see these tears, they’re love. You are so loved. I don’t think any of us can imagine this place without you,” Savannah continued.

“So it’s complicated because we love you so much and don’t want you to ever go.

“I am so proud of my friend. You have guts. For someone to leave at the top of their game, to leave something that’s wonderful, that you love, where it’s easy and comfortable and beautiful and fun and say, but I dream even bigger for myself.”

An emotional Al Roker also chimed in.

“You are the best. I’ve never known anyone like you, and I’ve known you forever,” he said.

Co-anchor Craig Melvin noted Kotb is “the same person” when the cameras shut off.

Hoda Kotb's farewell letter to staff

Longtime Today host Hoda Kotb penned the following letter to staff announcing her departure:

“To my Today family,

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map. 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.

“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. 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.

“I’ve been weighing this decision for quite a while – Am I truly ready? 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.

“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. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.

“Love,

“Hoda”

“You’re exactly like people see you in the morning, just the biggest heart. You’ve been the heart of this show for a long time, there’s no replacing that.”

Fellow Today host Dylan Dreyer posted a photo of her son being held by Hoda on Instagram.

“She comforts, she loves, she cares…it’s why we all love her,” Dreyer wrote.

“Way beyond her talent as an anchor, she’s the friend we all want and need. I love you Hoda and I applaud you for trusting your gut and making this next step in your life.

“You do everything with enthusiasm and I can’t wait to watch you soar!”

‘THE BEST PART’

Fans were stunned by the announcement – and quick to share their thoughts on social media .

“I’m crying so much right now,” one fan wrote on X.

“Hoda is like the glue on Today just like Al. She’s the best part,” another wrote.

“We have been blessed to get to know her as a part of Today. She will be missed. I appreciate that she has been a part of my life experience,” another fan said.

“I’ll her miss her. One of the good ones,” someone else chimed in.

“I love all of the rest of you but I extra love Hoda!!” another wrote.

“I’m in disbelief! Hoda we all love you too! You belong on the today. My heart can’t take this. But I do wish you the best,” someone else said.

“She is the best part of NBC!!!” another cried. “Go kill your next chapter and enjoy your beautiful girls!!!!”

TODAY Show hosts

NBC's Today show premiered in 1952 and has bidden viewers good morning every weekday since, adding Saturday and Sunday shows in the 1980s and 1990s. The show's current host lineup includes:

• Hoda Kotb
• Al Roker
• Savannah Guthrie
• Craig Melvin
• Jenna Bush Hager
• Carson Daly
• Sheinelle Jones
• Dylan Dreyer
• Peter Alexander
• Kristen Welker
• Willie Geist

NBC LEGACY

Hoda joined the NBC network in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline .

She became a standout once paired with Kathie Lee Gifford in the 10 am hour of Today in 2008.

During her time on the show, Hoda was open about her battle with breast cancer and her fertility struggles.

Fans of the show then watched as she adopted her two daughters ; first in 2017 and then in 2019.

She was also vocal about her daughter, Hope’s, scary medical crisis .

Hoda continued in the fourth hour after Jenna Bush Hager replaced Kathie Lee.

She was then named an interim co-anchor along with Savannah after Matt Lauer’s firing from the network in late 2017.

Hoda and Savannah became the first female-led duo to co-anchor Today since its premiere in 1952.

A recent highlight of her time on Today was the previously mentioned birthday surprise.

Hoda’s co-anchors shocked her with an hour-long celebration in August honoring her 60th birthday.

Previous interviewees stopped by to surprise Hoda, who was moved to tears.

After her departure from Today, Hoda will continue to contribute to the network on occasion in an unspecified role.

Getty Images - Getty

Getty Images - Getty

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