Hoda Kotb Steps Down from the Today Show After 17 Years to Focus on her Family

Hoda Kotb, the beloved Today show anchor, has decided to step down after 17 years on the NBC morning show.

While she will remain with the network in a different capacity, Hoda Kotb is shifting her focus toward her family, specifically her two daughters, Haley and Hope, one of whom has experienced health challenges.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Kotb shared the news of her departure in a letter to the Today show staff on September 26. In her heartfelt message, she expressed the mixed emotions that came with the decision. "As I write this, my heart is all over the map," she began. "I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show."

Hoda Kotb acknowledged that her career has been incredibly meaningful to her, but she now feels it's time to prioritize her family. "My daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie," she explained. "I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited."

Hoda Kotb Will Stay with NBC in a Different Role

Although Hoda Kotb will step down from her role as co-anchor by early 2025, she emphasized that she would not be leaving NBC entirely. "Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart," she wrote. "I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family, and you all will always be a part of mine."

Hoda Kotb’s departure marks a significant shift for the Today show, where she has become a fixture of American morning television.

A Historic Career at Today

Hoda Kotb joined the Today show in 2007 and quickly made her mark as a co-anchor. Over the years, she became one of the most recognizable and beloved faces on the program. She co-hosted the show's fourth-hour segment with Kathie Lee Gifford beginning in 2008, creating a dynamic duo that captured viewers’ attention. After Gifford's departure in 2019, Kotb was joined by Jenna Bush Hager, and together they continued to entertain and engage audiences with their lighthearted banter and deep conversations.

In 2018, Hoda Kotb made history when she became the first woman to co-anchor Today alongside Savannah Guthrie after Matt Lauer's firing amid sexual misconduct allegations. Their partnership marked the first time two women co-hosted the popular morning show, a groundbreaking moment for both Kotb and the program.

Hoda Kotb is a Proud Mother

Beyond her career, Hoda Kotb has been open about her journey to motherhood. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, which left her unable to conceive, she decided to pursue adoption. In 2017, she adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy, and in 2019, she welcomed her second daughter, Hope Catherine. She shares both girls with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman.

Hoda Kotb has frequently spoken about her children on the show and social media, sharing the joy they bring into her life. She has also been candid about the challenges of balancing her demanding career with motherhood. Her decision to step down from anchoring is driven by her desire to spend more time with her daughters, especially given some recent challenges with her youngest child, Hope.

Hope’s Health Struggles

In February 2023, Hoda Kotb took an unexpected two-week leave of absence from Today when Hope experienced a medical crisis that landed her in the intensive care unit (ICU) for several days. 

Hoda Kotb has remained protective of her daughter’s privacy, choosing not to disclose specific details about Hope’s diagnosis. However, she has shared that the family has been monitoring Hope’s health closely to ensure her well-being. Despite the challenges, Kotb is determined to maintain a sense of normalcy for her daughters, explaining that Hope is vibrant and full of life most days. "I don’t want Hope to get labeled. She’s a kid who is so vibrant, and most days everything is totally fine. I don’t want people to look at her differently," Kotb said.

A New Chapter in the Suburbs

In addition to stepping away from her anchoring duties, Hoda Kotb and her daughters recently made a significant move from Manhattan to a new home in the suburbs. The move has been a big adjustment for the family, with new schools, new neighbors, and new routines to navigate. Kotb shared her excitement about the transition, emphasizing how important it was for her daughters to have their own space and enjoy a suburban lifestyle.

While the move has brought new challenges, Hoda Kotb is focused on creating a warm, cozy home for her family, where her daughters can thrive.

What's Next for Hoda Kotb?

As Hoda Kotb steps away from the demanding role of morning show anchor, she is focused on her new chapter as a full-time mom. Although she will remain part of the NBC family, her primary concern is ensuring that her daughters, especially Hope, receive the love, care, and attention they need.

Reflecting on the past few years, Kotb said that she’s found a balance with additional help at home to manage Hope’s medical needs while maintaining some sense of normalcy. "It’s really tricky," she said. "Because I don’t want Hope to feel different or to be treated differently. She’s a kid who deserves all the joys of childhood."

As Hoda Kotb embarks on this new journey, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy at Today and a long-lasting impact on morning television. Viewers will no doubt miss her warmth and authenticity, but they will continue to see her on NBC in other capacities as she steps into this new role in her life.

For Hoda Kotb, the decision was clear: "I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why."