Hoda Kotb Leaves Today Show: Unpacking Her Surprising Exit In 2025
The news that Hoda Kotb leaves Today show has, for many viewers, truly sent ripples through their morning routines. For seventeen years, her warm presence has been a familiar part of waking up for millions across the country, so this announcement, which came in September, has certainly caught many by surprise. People are naturally wondering about the actual reasons behind this rather unexpected departure from such a beloved and long-standing role.
This seasoned host, a true icon of morning television, had been with the NBC family for a remarkable twenty-six years, with seventeen of those years dedicated to the Today show itself. Her decision to step away from the daily broadcast has prompted much discussion, with many trying to figure out what precisely led to her choice to move on from a position where she seemed so comfortable and cherished, and, you know, doing so well.
Hoda herself has, in fact, started to share some insights into this big life change. She's been talking openly about what her daily life will look like once she steps away from the Today show's early morning schedule. The focus, it seems, is very much on her personal life, particularly spending more time with her daughters, which, honestly, makes a lot of sense for anyone.
Table of Contents
- Hoda Kotb: A Glimpse at Her Journey
- Personal Details: Hoda Kotb
- The Announcement: When and How
- A Surprising Departure: Why Hoda is Leaving
- Prioritizing Family: The Core Reason
- Looking Ahead: Hoda's New Routine and Life
- The Emotional Farewell: Reactions and Last Moments
- Remaining Part of the NBC Family
- Frequently Asked Questions
Hoda Kotb: A Glimpse at Her Journey
Hoda Kotb has, in a way, been a constant fixture in American homes for a good while now. Her journey with NBC stretches back over two and a half decades, which is a really long time in the fast-paced world of television. She truly became a morning show icon during her seventeen years specifically with the Today show, building a connection with viewers that felt very real and personal.
During her time on the program, Hoda gained a reputation for her genuine warmth, her ability to connect with people, and her authentic reactions to the stories and guests she presented. She had a knack for making even the most serious topics feel approachable, and, you know, she always brought a sense of lightheartedness to the lighter segments. This unique style of hers helped solidify her place as one of the most famous faces on NBC, and that's saying something.
Her work often went beyond just reading the news; she shared parts of her own life, celebrated milestones, and talked about personal challenges, which, in a way, made her feel like a friend to many. This openness, quite frankly, is a big part of why so many people feel such a strong connection to her and why her upcoming departure feels like such a significant moment for the show and its audience, too.
Personal Details: Hoda Kotb
| Full Name | Hoda Kotb |
| Primary Role on Today Show | Co-host/Anchor |
| Years with NBC | 26 years |
| Years on Today Show | 17 years |
| Announcement Date of Departure | Thursday, September 26 |
| Anticipated Last Day on Today Show | Friday, January 10 |
| Reason for Departure | To prioritize family (daughters and mother) and focus on a new chapter; turning 60 was a factor. |
| Future Plans | To remain part of the NBC family; focus on personal life and new routine. |
The Announcement: When and How
The big news about Hoda Kotb leaves Today show came out on a Thursday, specifically September 26. Hoda herself shared the information live on the NBC program, which, as you can imagine, was a pretty emotional moment for everyone watching. She wiped away tears as she spoke, which really showed how much the show and its people mean to her.
The crew on the set, in a truly touching display of support, gave Hoda a standing ovation right after she made her announcement. This gesture, quite frankly, speaks volumes about the respect and affection they have for her. It was a clear sign of how much she is valued by her colleagues, too.
This news didn't just stay on the television screen, either. It quickly spread online, and celebrities from all over reacted to the news. People like Al Roker, a long-time colleague, and Andy Cohen, among others, shared their thoughts and feelings about Hoda's decision. This kind of widespread reaction, you know, really shows the impact she has had on so many people, both inside and outside the television world.
The show has, in a way, already started preparing for her final moments on air. NBC's morning show has, in fact, dubbed the entire week leading up to her departure as "a Hoda" week. This special designation is meant to celebrate her time and contributions, ensuring she gets a proper and memorable send-off, which is, honestly, a nice touch.
A Surprising Departure: Why Hoda is Leaving
Many people have been wondering about the exact reason behind Hoda Kotb's departure from the Today show. It was, according to sources close to the program, a complete surprise to most people working there. This unexpected nature of her exit has, you know, really fueled the curiosity about what truly prompted her to make such a significant change in her very public career.
Hoda has, in fact, started to reveal the truth in recent interviews. She spoke with today.com, for example, giving some clear insights into her decision. The seasoned host has, it seems, been contemplating this move for a bit, and a major factor in her thinking was reaching a certain milestone in her own life. She mentioned turning sixty in August of last year as a key moment that made her reflect on her priorities.
She put it simply, saying, "I realized that it was time for me to..." which, in a way, captures the personal reflection that often comes with big birthdays. This sentiment suggests a deeper, more personal reason for stepping away from the daily grind of morning television. It's not just a career move; it's a life adjustment, you know, a very personal choice.
Her decision to leave, after seventeen years of waking up with America, is fundamentally about focusing on her "next chapter." This phrase, in her words, suggests a shift in her life's direction, moving from a demanding professional schedule to something more personal and fulfilling on a different level. It's a choice that many people, in fact, consider as they get older and their priorities naturally change, too.
Prioritizing Family: The Core Reason
The absolute core reason Hoda Kotb is stepping down from the Today show is to prioritize her family. She has made it very clear that her focus will now be on her two daughters and her mother. This is, you know, a really common and understandable reason for anyone to make big changes in their work life, especially when it involves such early mornings and a demanding schedule.
Hoda has, in a way, talked openly about how she plans to spend more time with her daughters once her daily commitments to the show are over. This commitment to her children is a powerful motivator, allowing her to be more present in their lives, which, frankly, is something many parents strive for. She wants to be there for those everyday moments that a busy television schedule might make difficult, too.
Her decision to prioritize family over work, especially after turning sixty, shows a clear shift in her personal values and what she wants for her life moving forward. It’s a very human choice, reflecting a desire for a different kind of balance. She’s choosing to invest her time and energy where it matters most to her personally, and that's, like, a very important thing.
The fact that she recently moved to a house in the suburbs with her daughters, while the Today show still films in Manhattan, further highlights this shift in her priorities. This physical move, you know, suggests a desire for a different pace of life, one that is perhaps more conducive to family time and less about the hustle and bustle of city living. It's a tangible step towards her new chapter, really.
Looking Ahead: Hoda's New Routine and Life
Once Hoda Kotb signs off from the Today show for the final time, she has a pretty clear plan for what her new routine will look like. She talked to today.com about this, giving a glimpse into how she intends to structure her days. Her vision for a new daily rhythm is, quite frankly, a stark contrast to the early alarms she's been setting for the past seventeen years, too.
Hoda plans to start her day with an exercise class, which she intends to do just before 6 a.m. This might still sound early to some, but for someone who has been getting up much, much earlier for work, it represents a significant change. She added, "Because I will still be sleeping in for two hours," which really puts her previous wake-up times into perspective. That, you know, is a big difference.
This new routine is all about giving her more personal time, particularly in the mornings, which have been dominated by her professional duties for so long. It means more relaxed starts to her day, more opportunities for self-care, and, perhaps most importantly, more unhurried time with her daughters. This kind of flexibility, you know, is a big part of what she's looking forward to in this next phase of her life.
The shift in her daily schedule is a direct result of her decision to focus on her "next chapter" and her family. It's about creating a life where she has more control over her time and how she spends it, which, for a public figure with such a demanding job, is a pretty significant change. She's, in a way, embracing a slower pace, one that allows for more personal connection and well-being, apparently.
The Emotional Farewell: Reactions and Last Moments
Friday, January 10, will mark the end of an era for Hoda Kotb, as it is her last day on the Today show. The network has, in a way, made sure this final day and the week leading up to it are truly special. As mentioned, they've dubbed the week "a Hoda" week, which means there will be plenty of fanfare and celebration to honor her long and impactful tenure.
Fans have already started showing their immense love and appreciation for Hoda. In December, for example, many gathered on the Today show plaza to show their support. This public display of affection highlights the deep connection she has formed with her audience over the years, and that, you know, is a very special thing for a television personality.
The emotional impact of her departure is also evident in the reactions of her colleagues. Jenna Bush Hager, her co-host on "Hoda & Jenna," tearfully remembered how Hoda had always been in her corner, offering support and encouragement. This kind of personal testimony, honestly, speaks volumes about the bonds Hoda formed with those she worked with every day.
The farewell will, undoubtedly, be a moment filled with both sadness and celebration. It's a chance for the show and its viewers to say goodbye to a beloved figure who has been a consistent and comforting presence for so long. The outpouring of love, from fans on the plaza to celebrity reactions online, just shows how much she means to so many people, too.
Remaining Part of the NBC Family
While Hoda Kotb is indeed stepping down from her daily role on the Today show, it's important to note that she plans to remain a part of the NBC family. This detail, which she announced in September, suggests that her departure from the morning news program isn't a complete break from the network where she has spent twenty-six years. So, she's not disappearing entirely from television screens, apparently.
This continued association means that viewers might still see her in different capacities or on other NBC platforms in the future. It allows her to transition into her new chapter of prioritizing family while still maintaining a connection to the professional world she has known for so long. It’s a way, perhaps, of having the best of both worlds, in a sense.
Her decision to step back from the intense daily schedule of the Today show but stay connected to NBC could mean a more flexible role, one that aligns better with her desire for more personal time. This arrangement allows her to continue contributing her talents and experience without the demanding early morning commitments that have defined her career for nearly two decades. It's, you know, a sensible way to manage such a big change.
The fact that she is maintaining ties with NBC also means that the relationship built over a quarter-century will continue in some form. This speaks to her lasting legacy and the value the network places on her contributions. It's a testament to her enduring popularity and professional standing, which, honestly, is quite impressive, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hoda Kotb leaving the Today show?
Hoda Kotb announced her plans to leave the Today show in early 2025, with her last day on the program set for Friday, January 10. The week leading up to her departure will be a special celebration, known as "a Hoda" week, too.
Why is Hoda Kotb leaving the Today show?
Hoda Kotb is leaving the Today show primarily to focus on her next chapter, which involves prioritizing her two daughters and her mother. She mentioned turning 60 in August of last year as a factor in her decision to prioritize family over work, and that's, like, a very personal reason.
What are Hoda Kotb's plans after leaving the Today show?
After leaving the Today show, Hoda Kotb plans to focus on her family and a new personal routine. She intends to start her days with an exercise class just before 6 a.m., allowing her to "still be sleeping in for two hours" compared to her previous schedule. She also plans to remain part of the NBC family, which, you know, is interesting.
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