Hoda Kotb leaving ‘Today’ next year

By Birdi Diehl

Hoda Kotb announced yesterday that she is leaving the “Today” show early next year, after more than two decades on the NBC program. Kotb said after her 60th birthday this past summer she realized that “it’s time” to leave. 

The move comes after Kotb’s children and mother said that they want “a bigger slice of [her] time pie”. 

Kotb has co-anchored “Today” with Savannah Guthrie since 2018, replacing Matt Lauer during his sexual harassment allegations. Guthrie said that she does not “want to imagine this place without [Kotb]”. In her goodbye, she thanked her many coworkers, including Jenna Bush Haer and Al Roker, talking about their friendship. 

As Hager was saying goodbye to Kotb, Hager had tears in her eyes. 

“You are who I come to. When I’m feeling joyful, when I’m feeling unsure, you are who I come to,” said Hager.  

Before her “Today” career, she was on NBC News’ “Dateline” in 1998. During her time in that role, she covered domestic and international news stories at NBC News. 

In 2007, she began co-hosting “Today” with Kathie Lee Gifford. Gifford, an American NBC TV show host, mentioned on social media platform X her sentiment toward Kotb leaving. 

“Bittersweet news as my dear friend @hodakotb steps away from the Today Show,” wrote Gifford. “Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts.” 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kotb will shift to roles at NBC News in 2025. NBC News did not immediately announce her successor.