Hoda Kotb is a favorite anchor and face of NBC News' "TODAY," serving for nearly two decades. She has announced her retirement from her duties on the flagship morning show, which will be effective early next year. Below is an emotional tale she shared with her co-hosts: Hoda Kotb announced this would be her turn of the page to see what else life has in store. She said the milestone birthday of turning 60 lately played a lot in deciding to move away from the grind of morning television. "I realized at 60 that it's time for me to turn the page and try something new," an emotional Roberts told the audience and her colleagues. An Al Roker exit would indeed end an era. She has been upfront on "TODAY" for so long, bringing so much warmth, realness, and accessibility to that show.
The Remarkable Journey With "TODAY"
Hoda Kotb joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for "Dateline," reporting on a wide range of domestic and international stories. Since 2007, she has been co-anchor of the fourth hour of "TODAY" with Kathie Lee Gifford. Such a lively rapport included real friendship and joking around, bonded the two co-hosts together and drew viewers to them, making Hoda Kotb quickly become one of the faces in the show. Hoda Kotb's elevation to co-anchor for primary news hours came in 2017, unfortunately owing to the sudden firing of the resident anchorman, Matt Lauer.
She started the role in 2018, and her first day on the air was with Savannah Guthrie, marking a milestone as the first all-female anchor line-up since the show started. The move sent shockwaves of wild celebration, and Guthrie joked, "This has to be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made." Together, Hoda Kotb and Guthrie have led viewers through some of the largest events of recent years - from the COVID-19 pandemic to times of political change - in their now-cemented staple pairing within the daily routines of millions.
The Emotional Announcement
After her announcement, Hoda Kotb's fellow hosts had only words of praise and salutation for her. "We don't want to think about this place without you," Guthrie tearfully said, saluting Hoda Kotb's courage and commitment to how much she meant and brought into the team and the show. In a note to her colleagues, Hoda Kotb explained she wants to be able to spend more time with her family, most especially her two young daughters, Haley and Hope.
But also her mom said, "My girls and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie," thereby reflecting a desire for better life balance. While Hoda Kotb is leaving the "TODAY" show, she soothed her fans and friends alike when she announced she would be remaining with NBC in some capacity: "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 said, leaving the door open for future collaborations.
Tributes and Inspiration: A Legacy
Standing with her in the studio to make the announcement was the one-and-only "TODAY" weatherman and cohost Al Roker, who could summarize the moment for many who have known her over the years: "I have never known anybody like you. I've known you forever and love you.". While "TODAY" was part of her career, the mark of courage resonated in her personal life: from fighting cancer to adopting her two daughters, Hoda Kotb took time to share her journey on the show with many who could relate or be inspired by it. Through her story, many have learned about resilience and hope, which also makes the announcement a little sadder for those people who have been following her all these years.
Conclusion
Although it is yet to be confirmed who will take Hoda Kotb's seat on "TODAY," NBC News neither denied nor confirmed the news. Either way, Hoda Kotb is equally excited for her path ahead but equivalently excited for that which will continue: "There's plenty of time to talk about what's ahead for all of us." She knows "TODAY" will go into the future the same way it always did. So much will be left behind as Hoda Kotb prepares to start this next phase in her life: compassion, professionalism, and warmth that shall not be forgotten. It is certainly the end of an era: Hoda Kotb has left TODAY to open new paths for this loved anchor. And as she says goodbye to daily shows, her mark and contribution to morning television will always be remembered. This is a reminder to all of us through trials and tribulations.
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