Hoda Kotb, beloved co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, announced on Thursday that she’ll be stepping away from the program after an incredible 17-year run.
Though she’ll remain a part of Today until early 2025, and even after that, periodically contribute to NBC in other ways, the development marks an irrevocable turning point for Kotb. The announcement came during Thursday morning’s show, where Kotb, alongside her co-anchor Jenna Bush Hager and several other NBC hosts, shared the emotional news.
Reflecting on her sixtieth birthday, Kotb described feeling like she was at the “crest of the wave,” a moment that made her realize it was time to turn the page. “I just turned 60,” she said during her heartfelt comments, “and I started thinking about what that decade means. What does it hold for me? I realized it was time for me to try something new.”
She recalled celebrating her sixtieth birthday on-air, surrounded by her cherished colleagues, which she called “the top of the wave.” It was a defining moment for her. “I thought, it can’t get better than this.”
Kotb talked about wanting to spend more time with her two young children, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, whom she adopted later in life. “I kept thinking, they deserve a bigger piece of my ‘time pie,’” Kotb explained. “We only have a finite amount of time.”
Through teary eyes, she assured fans she would remain with the show until the start of 2025, but the time to start a new chapter was clear. “It’s the hardest thing in the world,” Kotb added, noting how much her Today family means to her. “I’m not leaving the NBC family. But this is a big deal for me.”
Hoda Kotb’s Early Life and Journey to Today
Born on Aug. 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, Hoda Kotb grew up in a household with Egyptian immigrant parents. Her family moved frequently during her childhood, living in places as far-flung as Egypt and Nigeria before settling in Alexandria, Virginia.
Though Kotb faced challenges adapting to new environments, these early experiences shaped her into the journalist with a unique perspective and deep appreciation for others that she would become. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Kotb initially struggled to break into television, facing multiple rejections. But her persistence paid off when she landed her first TV job as a reporter in Greenville, Mississippi.
From Dateline to Today
Kotb first gained national attention as a correspondent for NBC’s Dateline in 1998. Her empathetic approach to storytelling, from hard-hitting news to human interest pieces, distinguished her from the rest of the pack. She won over audiences with her compassionate interviews and thorough reporting, earning a place as a trusted voice in broadcast journalism by viewers across the political spectrum.
Her career took a big turn in 2008 when she began co-hosting the fourth hour of Today with Kathie Lee Gifford. The show, a blend of light-hearted fun and meaningful conversations, resonated with viewers. Kotb’s chemistry with Gifford quickly became apparent and built a loyal audience.
In 2018, Kotb’s role expanded when she became the co-anchor of Today‘s flagship show alongside Savannah Guthrie. This promotion was particularly significant as it made her one of the first women to lead a major morning news program, following the termination of Matt Lauer amid accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior.
A Legacy of Resilience and Openness
Kotb’s career is not merely defined by her on-air roles. She has been open about her personal struggles, including her life-altering breast cancer diagnosis. She documented her journey in her New York Times bestselling book Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee.
Her willingness to share her journey has made her more relatable to viewers, a loyal audience of millions who have followed her through both professional triumphs and personal challenges.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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