Hoda Kotb is packing up her coffee mug, bidding farewell to early mornings, and officially peacing out of the Today show. But why, oh why, is our beloved Hoda leaving? Letโs break it down, shall we?
The 60-year-old queen of morning TV casually dropped the news in September, saying, โI realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and try something new.โ Translation: Sheโs tired of waking up at ungodly hours and pretending to care about pumpkin spice latte trends. Plus, she wants more time with her kiddos, Haley (7) and Hope (4), who probably have no clue what the Today show even is.
But waitโwas this really Hodaโs choice? Or is there some behind-the-scenes tea brewing at NBC? Grab your mugs, because things are getting spicy.
The Plot Thickens: Pay Cut Drama?
According to Puck News (aka the TMZ of the corporate world), NBC execs had a little chat with Hodaโs agents and suggestedโbrace yourselfโthat she take a pay cut. Yes, the woman reportedly making a cool $20 million a year was asked to settle for less. Outrageous! Whatโs next? Asking her to BYO coffee?
Hereโs the kicker: NBC loves Hoda. They really do. But apparently, love doesnโt pay the bills when morning show ratings are in a nosedive. โStratospheric contracts were no longer justifiable,โ the report claimed, adding that even rivals like Good Morning America were feeling the pinch. Translation: โHoda, we adore you, but alsoโฆ can you work for free?โ
Hodaโs Grand Finale
Mark your calendars (and prepare your tissues): Hodaโs last day on the Today show is January 10, 2025. Expect heartfelt goodbyes, a montage of her best moments, and probably someone ugly-crying on live TV (looking at you, Al Roker).
Whether sheโs leaving to spend more time with her kids or because NBC execs couldnโt keep her in Gucci loafers, one thingโs for sure: mornings wonโt be the same without her. Weโll miss you, Hoda! Go rock those PJs at 9 a.m. like the rest of us.
