“Good morning, America! As the sun rises over the bustling streets of New York City, millions of viewers tune in to the iconic Today show, seeking a daily dose of news, entertainment, and inspiration. And at the heart of this morning staple is the incomparable Hoda Kotb – a warm, witty, and endearing presence that has become an integral part of many Americans’ daily routines. With her infectious smile and boundless energy, Hoda has earned a reputation as one of the most beloved and respected co-hosts in television history.
Hoda Kotb’s Departure from the TODAY Show
Kotb’s tearful announcement on September 26, 2024, marked the end of an era for the TODAY show. After 17 years on the morning news program, Kotb announced that she will be leaving the show in early 2025 to focus on her next chapter.
In an emotional statement, Kotb revealed that she had been thinking about this decision for a while, saying, “I think I’m doing this, like, ‘repotting’ thing… You know, when you pull yourself up by the roots, and you’re kind of dangling and you’re like, ‘Oh my God, what am I doing? What’s happening?’ But you know you’re going to land kind of in fertile ground.”
Kotb also shared that she wants to spend more time with her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, saying, “I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on. And then I thought about, obviously I had my kiddos late in life… And I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time.”
Reasons for Leaving: Pursuing a New Chapter
Kotb’s decision to leave the show comes after 17 years of dedication and hard work. During her announcement, she emphasized her desire to focus on her next chapter, saying, “I think I realized, this was so crazy, but remember our 60th birthday that we had? It was so — like, I can see it… And I remember standing outside, looking at this beautiful bunch of people with all of these gorgeous signs, and I thought, like, this is what the top of the wave feels like for me. And I thought, it can’t get better.”
According to Kotb, she is not leaving just yet, as she will be staying with the NBC family past the first of the year. However, she acknowledged that this is a big deal for her, saying, “I’ve been practicing so I wouldn’t cry, but, anyway, I did.”
Hoda Kotb’s 25-Year Journey at NBC News
Hoda Kotb has now officially been working at NBC News for a quarter of a century. She reached her 25-year work anniversary on April 6, and TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Carson Daly surprised her with a celebration on the plaza.
Hoda is known for her authenticity and relatability. She joined NBC in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline and started hosting the fourth hour of TODAY in 2007, which is now known as TODAY with Hoda and Jenna. In 2018, she became a co-anchor of the show alongside Savannah.
Celebrating a Milestone: 25 Years at NBC News
The celebration marked a major milestone in Hoda’s career, and she was visibly shocked and touched by the surprise. “Can I just say that this is a great day in NBC News history,” Savannah teased on the plaza Thursday. “Yeah,” Hoda said, not knowing Savannah was referring to her. “Because 25 years ago today, Hoda Kotb had her first day at NBC,” Savannah said.
Hoda’s jaw dropped as she asked, “Is that for real?” “Oh wow,” Al exclaimed. “25 years!” “Seriously?” Hoda asked in disbelief. “25 years?” she asked Savannah. “I saw an anniversary. I was like, ‘Oh is it you and Mike?’ I thought you already had your anniversary.” “No,” Savannah responded. “It’s you. Happy anniversary. Aren’t we lucky?” She gave Hoda a great big hug while Al noted, “We are blessed.”
Best Moments from Hoda Kotb’s Time on TODAY
As Hoda makes her official exit from the TODAY show, it’s only fair we say a proper goodbye to the beloved member of the TODAY family. Ahead, take a look at some of the best moments from Hoda’s incredible journey on TODAY.
Starting all the way from the beginning almost two decades ago, we’re highlighting Hoda’s career achievements on the air over the years. We can’t wait to see what she does next.
- Remember when she dressed up as Carrie Underwood for Halloween and serenaded people on the plaza?
- Or, when she shared what she keeps inside the nightstand by her bed?
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Hoda Kotb’s remarkable tenure on the ‘Today’ show, it’s clear that her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her humble beginnings as a correspondent to her current role as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie, Kotb’s dedication, resilience, and warmth have endeared her to millions of viewers. Her impressive 12-year run on the show has seen her tackle tough topics, share personal stories, and bring joy to millions through her infectious smile and enthusiasm.
But beyond the numbers and statistics, Kotb’s presence on the ‘Today’ show has had a profound impact on the television landscape. She has shattered glass ceilings, inspired countless women, and redefined what it means to be a strong, confident, and compassionate television personality. As we look to the future, it’s clear that Kotb’s influence will only continue to grow, as she remains an iconic figure in the world of morning television.
As we bid farewell to this article, we are left with a sense of awe and admiration for the incomparable Hoda Kotb. Her legacy on the ‘Today’ show is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and kindness. And as we look to the future, we can’t help but wonder what the next chapter of her remarkable journey holds. One thing is certain, however: Hoda Kotb will always be a beacon of hope, inspiration, and joy, shining brightly for generations to come.
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