Hoda Kotb has decided to depart from the “Today” show, an announcement she made in a touching message to her colleagues. After five years of cohosting with Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager, Kotb, who stepped into this role following Matt Lauer’s dismissal in 2017 due to sexual misconduct allegations, is ready to move on.
During a broadcast on Thursday, an emotional Kotb shared her difficult decision, expressing her deep affection for the show despite feeling that it’s time to leave. Kotb’s career at NBC spans 26 years, starting with a decade at “Dateline,” NBC’s venerable news magazine show. She reminisced about the formative experiences and the invaluable relationships she developed at “Today,” praising her coworkers for their support and camaraderie.
Kotb spoke fondly of her co-hosts, describing Savannah as “my rock” and Jenna as “my ride-or-die.” She also acknowledged other notable figures from the show, including Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Carson Daly. She gave a special mention to Al Roker as her oldest friend at the NBC headquarters at 30 Rockefeller Center.
In her heartfelt farewell, she expressed her deep appreciation for the team and her desire to still be a part of the NBC dynamic, albeit in a different role which she didn’t specify. The choice to step back was heavily influenced by her desire to devote more time to her young daughters, Haley and Hope.
Kotb concluded with a hopeful and grateful note, affirming her intention to continue with NBC. “Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family, and you all will always be a part of mine,” she stated, signaling her ongoing association with her longtime network family.
