Hoda Kotb, a beloved co-host of NBC’s Today show, has announced that she will be stepping down from her role early next year. Kotb, who has been a central figure on the show since 2017, shared the news with viewers during a tearful segment on Today. She explained that after turning 60, she felt it was the right time to make a change and spend more time with her two young daughters, whom she adopted later in life. Describing the decision as the hardest of her life, Kotb expressed her desire to dedicate more time to her family.
Kotb joined NBC in 1998 as a correspondent on Dateline and later became a co-host of the 10 a.m. hour of Today in 2008, first with Kathie Lee Gifford and then with Jenna Bush Hager. Her departure marks a significant change for the morning television landscape, as Kotb has been a key part of the show’s success and connection with its audience. Her co-host, Savannah Guthrie, expressed her sadness over Kotb’s decision, praising her for having the courage to step away at the peak of her career.
Despite leaving her daily role on Today, Kotb reassured her colleagues and viewers that she plans to remain part of the NBC family in some capacity, calling her time at the network the longest and most meaningful work relationship of her life. NBC has not yet announced who will take over her position, and it is expected that the network will take some time to find her successor, given the importance of the role.
Kotb’s departure is one of the biggest shifts in morning television in recent years, as shows like Today and Good Morning America are highly influential and profitable for their networks. Her decision highlights the balancing act that many in demanding careers face when prioritizing family and personal time over professional commitments.
