Hoda Kotb Set to Depart NBC’s ‘Today’ Show in Early 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Hoda Kotb, who has been a prominent figure at NBC for over 20 years, announced that she will be stepping down from her role on the “Today” show early next year. In a heartfelt note to her team and during an emotional reveal on Thursday’s broadcast, she expressed that “it’s time” for her to move on. The decision was influenced by her upcoming 60th birthday, which made her reflect on her journey: “I saw it all so clearly: my broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie.”

Kotb has been co-anchoring the first two hours of the “Today” show alongside Savannah Guthrie since 2018, taking over following Matt Lauer’s departure due to sexual harassment allegations. She has also co-hosted the show’s fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager, after previously teaming up with Kathie Lee Gifford. Joining NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for “Dateline,” she became a part of the “Today” team in 2007.

Kotb, who is a mother to daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, shared her feelings with co-workers surrounding her as she disclosed her decision to the audience: “This is the hardest thing in the world,” she admitted, adding that she had been practicing to keep her emotions in check, though that didn’t quite work out. “I’ve been practicing so I wouldn’t cry, but anyway, I did.”

With tears in her eyes, Guthrie, who has worked alongside Kotb for more than five years, comforted her by saying, “We love you so much. And when you look around and see these tears, they’re love. You are so loved. We don’t want to imagine this place without you.”

In her farewell message, Kotb acknowledged many colleagues, including Al Roker: “Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock.” She reassured everyone that although she would be leaving her current role, she planned to remain connected to the NBC family, expressing her gratitude for the long-lasting relationships she has formed: “How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.”

Imani M. Cheers, an associate professor of digital storytelling at George Washington University, commented on Kotb’s departure, saying, “I’m actually excited for her. I think it’s a huge loss, but I am so excited to see what she’s going to do next. It comes a point in all of our lives: You do have to pivot.”

Kotb’s exit creates two vacancies in NBC’s morning lineup, a strategic move as the network seeks to reclaim its top position from ABC’s “Good Morning America,” which features Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan. Cheers highlighted Kotb’s versatility in broadcasting, noting her ability to skillfully handle both hard news and lighter topics, making her a challenging presence to replace. “She was able to bring a brevity and just a bubbly light touch, but also could be someone that’s going to talk about very serious and heavy topics. She’s trusted. You feel that if she’s reporting that it’s going to be fair and it’s going to be balanced. And that is really hard to come by,” Cheers stated.