Hoda Kotb Shares Why She’s Leaving Today After More a Decade

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

As I delve into the captivating journey of Hoda Kotb, I am struck by the profound sense of love and joy that permeates her life, both personal and professional. It is evident that she cherishes her family and friends dearly, as seen through her heartfelt posts and images.


As a devoted admirer, I must share that Hoda Kotb is considering taking a step back from her role on the Today show. This isn’t a move made impulsively; rather, it’s a carefully weighed decision that reflects her personal journey and growth.

On September 26, viewers were taken aback when the 60-year-old woman announced her departure from the morning show after nearly two decades. She revealed that the motivation for this new phase in her life came from her two inspirations: her daughters Haley (age 7) and Hope (age 5).

Later in life, I became a parent and felt it was important for my children to have a larger share of my time,” Kotb expressed on Today. “I believe we have a limited amount of time, and making this balance is extremely challenging.

As a seasoned news professional who had spent many years contributing to NBC News prior to my arrival at Today in 2007, I took it upon myself to pen a heartfelt message to my esteemed coworkers within the network. This missive was subsequently published on Today.com on September 26th.

She commented, “Celebrating my 60th birthday on the Plaza felt like a turning point for me. It was as if I could see clearly that my broadcast career has been incredibly significant, a new decade of my life is opening up, and now it’s time for my daughters and mother to have a larger share of my attention. I will miss you all deeply, but I’m prepared and eager for what lies ahead.

In a heartfelt gathering on the couch, Kotb was accompanied by her coworkers Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, and Sheinelle Jones. Contrary to speculation about her departure from NBC, she assured everyone that she remains an integral part of their family.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Guthrie expressed great admiration for his friend, saying, ‘You truly show courage,’ in conversation with Kotb. ‘It takes a lot of bravery to walk away from success, from something exceptional and beloved,’ he added.

“She said, ‘Our affection for you is immense. It’s so deep that we want you to chase your dreams, find the new chapter of your life, and shine brightly. Honestly, we can hardly contain our excitement to see what amazing things you’ll do.’

For more from Kotb’s adorable family with daughters Haley and Hope, read on. 

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Hoda got emotional as Haley and Hope surprised her with an early Mother’s Day gift.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Accompanied by her siblings Hala and Adel, nieces Hannah and Ella, mother Sami, daughters Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, and fiancé Joel Schiffman, Hoda Kotb referred to the celebration as “the kind of birthday I love”.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Hoda enjoys a day with her daughters Haley Joy and Hope Catherine around New York City together.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Once again, Halloween has passed! Hoda and her first-born daughter celebrate Halloween together once more, donning their Sesame Street personas this time around.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

On Halloween 2019, the hostess of Today’s program was seen enjoying quality time with her mother and also Haley’s grandmother in a heartwarming photo.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

The host shared this pic of her and her little one at a Sesame Street party in Oct. 2019.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

The daytime talk show host spends a day splashing around the beach in Aug. 2019.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Haley Joy looks cute as a button celebrating her mom’s 55th birthday this past August.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

In May 2019, Kotb posted on Instagram, “See who’s nourishing Hope!”, highlighting Haley feeding her freshly born baby girl, Hope.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Kathie Lee Gifford, a long-standing friend and previous co-host with Hoda on the show Today, crossed paths with Hope in early May and maintained cheerful expressions throughout the entire day.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Last month, the 55-year-old host posted a picture of her entire family on Instagram for the first time, captioning it with “Here we are, hugs and kisses.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Hoda unveiled Hope to everyone as her newly adopted daughter, keeping her adoption a secret until she surprised her Today show colleagues with the news on air.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

On Valentine’s Day, the TV host rejoiced over Haley turning two years old and expressed her feelings on Instagram by saying, “Today is filled with so much love.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

The beaming TV personality spent Christmas with her mother, sister and daughter.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Haley celebrated her second Halloween by twinning with her mom in matching bee costumes.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

In August of 2018, the mother-daughter duo spent an autumn day together picking apples.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

“I can’t believe I get to do this .. #grateful” she wrote on her 54th birthday.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Today, co-anchor Hoda was captured smiling with her adorable one-year-old, Haley, both donning a sweet t-shirt that read “mama.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Early morning photoshoots in bed on Mother’s Day were fantastic,” gleamed the joyful mom in an adorable Instagram selfie.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

In March 2018, the native of Oklahoma marked partner Joel Schiffman’s 60th birthday in a special way, joined by their daughter and a homemade cake they had prepared together.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

The TV host exclaimed “I’m home!!!” on Instagram, having returned from a two-week stint covering the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

On the eve of reaching Pyeongchang for the 2018 Winter Olympics, the television personality spent some playful moments with her tiny companion and her U.S.A beanie cap.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

On the 14th of January, I, a devoted fan, echoed my enthusiasm for the New Orleans Saints alongside my little cheerleader as they battled it out with the Minnesota Vikings. Go Saints!

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

The journalist expressed their readiness for Santa by captioning this Christmas selfie with her mother, partner, and young child.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

On November 23rd, Hoda was captured in a photo with her partner and their daughter, as part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

On her initial Halloween experience, Haley donned an enchanting rabbit attire while having fun with trick-or-treating, all the while being pushed in a stroller by her mother and her mother’s longtime partner.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

On October 26th, Hoda got Haley ready in a pumpkin costume, expressing her excitement on Instagram with, “I couldn’t wait!!!

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

Over the Labor Day weekend, Hoda took a selfie at the beach with six-month-old Haley, along with their mother, sister, and brother. The picture shows them all together: mother on the left side, sister at the top right corner, and brother on the right side.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

The Today co-anchor was overjoyed to spend Labor Day weekend with her bundle of joy.

Hoda Kotb Shares Why She's Leaving Today After More a Decade

In May 2017, a three-month-old made a surprise appearance on the Today Show during Mother’s Day weekend, making her first-ever television debut.

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2024-09-26 17:53