Hoda Kotb’s Departure from ‘Today’: The Real Reason Explained

Highlights

• Departure: Hoda Kotb announced her departure from Today after 17 years on the show.
• Reason: She cited her desire to spend more time with her daughters and the onset of her 60th birthday as significant factors.
• Last Day: Hoda’s final day on air was January 10, 2025, celebrated with a live audience.
• Future Plans: Hoda will continue contributing to NBC, including covering upcoming Olympic events.

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Hoda Kotb broke Today viewers’ hearts last year when she announced her departure from the show. After 17 years on the air, the journalist decided that it was time to embark on a new journey. She officially stepped down from the show in January 2025 but returned to co-host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November. But fans still want to know the reason why Hoda left Today.

Did Hoda Kotb Quit the Today Show?

Hoda announced in September 2024 that she was leaving Today after 17 years with the show. She wrote a lengthy letter to her co-workers and co-anchors, which the outlet shared.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” the journalist wrote. “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 then reflected on her decades-long career with NBC, recalling her 10 years at Dateline before joining Today.

“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life,” she continued. “But only because you’ve been beside me on this 26-year adventure. Looking back, the math is nuts. Twenty-six years at NBC News — Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o’clock hour, sixteen on the ten o’clock hour.”

Hoda Kotb has announced that she is leaving TODAY early next year. pic.twitter.com/sXuRsDbNnI

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 26, 2024

Why Did Hoda Kotb Leave Today?

In her letter, Hoda revealed that she had been “weighing this decision for quite a while” to leave the show. The television anchor cited her 60th birthday celebration as a “shift” and noted that she wanted to spend more time with her children, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, whom she shares with ex Joel Schiffman.

“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,” Hoda explained. “I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.”

When Did Hoda Kotb Leave Today?

Hoda’s last day on air for Today was January 10, 2025. She was joined by a live audience who celebrated the occasion with goodbye signs, while her co-stars shared prerecorded farewell messages.

Where Is Hoda Kotb Going After Today?

In her letter, the NBC personality vowed to “remain a part of the NBC family.”

“I’ll be around. How could I not?” Hoda concluded. “Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.”

Page Six reported that Hoda signed a deal with NBC to “contribute exclusive interviews and cover the next two Olympics.” 

Moreover, Hoda returned to co-host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November 2025 with her former Today co-hosts.