Hoda Kotb, queen of mornings and co-anchor extraordinaire, has declared she’s stepping away from the iconic Today show in early 2025! The beloved 60-year-old news dynamo, who has been waking America up with a smile (and possibly too much caffeine) for years, dropped the bombshell live on Thursday (September 26) during the show’s broadcast. If you listen closely, you can almost hear a collective gasp from fans across the country.
Hoda, ever the multitasker, juggles two high-profile gigs on Today. She bravely tackles the early bird slot alongside Savannah Guthrie, where they attempt to make waking up before sunrise seem less like torture. Then, just when you thought she couldn’t get any more impressive, she teams up with Jenna Bush Hager at 10 a.m. for the “let’s sip coffee and spill tea” hour, previously co-hosted by Kathie Lee Gifford. It’s a legacy of legendary duos, but now, Hoda’s decided it’s time to pass the torch — or maybe just the coffee mug.
“I hit 60 and thought, ‘Wow, is it possible to be this fabulous AND want something new?’” Hoda mused on air, flashing her signature smile that’s melted more hearts than a microwave left on too long. She reminisced about her 60th birthday party on the show, where fans showed up with signs so colorful they could be mistaken for a preschool art project. “I looked at all those beautiful people, those amazing posters, and thought, ‘Yep, this is my peak wave moment,’” Hoda said, surfing on a metaphor like a pro. “And what do you do at the top of a wave? You ride it out in style… and then maybe grab a piña colada.”
But let’s get serious (just for a sec). Hoda says her decision comes from a place of love — for her family. After all, she’s got two little bundles of energy waiting for her at home: Haley, 7, and Hope, 4. And let’s face it, wrangling two kids is more demanding than wrangling Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager combined!
In a heartfelt note to fans, Hoda wrote, “I’ve been wrestling with this decision for a while — like, ‘Am I ready to give up my front-row seat to the world’s craziest headlines?’ But turning 60 hit me like a ton of confetti. My Plaza birthday bash was a gigantic neon sign from the universe, saying, ‘YES, HODA, IT’S TIME!’” Apparently, when the universe talks, Hoda listens. “I’ve had an incredible career, but now it’s time to focus on the really important things, like my daughters… and maybe finally binge-watching all those Netflix shows people keep talking about.”
Don’t worry, though — she’s not leaving us high and dry (unlike that one time Kathie Lee ran out of wine mid-broadcast). Hoda promises she’ll be sticking around until early 2025, giving everyone plenty of time to prepare emotionally. “We’ve got time to talk about the future,” she said, adding, “But one thing’s for sure: The Peacock never sheds its feathers. Today will roll on, no matter who’s at the helm. This team has weathered more storms than a reality show on its 38th season, and they’ll handle this just fine.”
Hoda also reassured fans that she’s not going far. “I’m still part of the NBC fam,” she said. “It’s the longest relationship I’ve ever had, and honestly, it’s too cozy to give up. I’ll still be around — kind of like that cousin who always shows up at Thanksgiving, whether you invited them or not. Family is family, and you’re stuck with me!”
Hoda Kotb is riding the wave into a new adventure, leaving us all wondering how on earth the mornings will ever be the same. One thing’s for sure — the Today show will survive, and Hoda? She’ll be thriving.
Hoda Kotb has announced that she is leaving TODAY early next year. pic.twitter.com/sXuRsDbNnI
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 26, 2024