Why Hoda Kotb Wore “M” Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

As I delve into Hoda Kotb’s vibrant life, I can’t help but be captivated by her journey as a journalist, a mother, and a loving daughter. Her passion for her work is evident in her coverage of events like the New Orleans Saints game against the Minnesota Vikings, but it’s her personal moments that truly shine.


Hoda Kotb is ready for the latest segment her life has to offer. 

On September 26, as she announced her departure from the Today show after almost twenty years, the veteran host wore a heartfelt accessory – an “M” charm necklace, symbolizing “Mom”.

Additionally, there are other trinkets that carry unique significance. Hoda, in turn, disclosed that she also adorns items with special tributes to her daughters – specifically Haley Joy, aged 7, and Hope Catherine, who is 5 years old.

She mentioned during a 2022 episode of Today, “On one of these, I have both ‘Haley’ and ‘Hope’. The other one has ‘I love you Mama’. Each of these names represents one of my daughters.

However, the “M” necklace held a profound significance for Hoda, explaining to her co-host Jenna Bush Hager that “The ‘M’ feels so much like me. If not for my children’s initials, this would be the one I’d choose to wear.

And Hoda’s life as a mother actually played a role in her decision to step away from Today.

The 60-year-old mentioned during her September 26 announcement that she had her children later in life, and she felt that they deserved a larger slice of her time compared to other commitments.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

She remarked, “It seems to me that our time is limited. Given that perspective, let me tell you, it’s one of the toughest things in existence.

Additionally, the host clarified that reaching the age of 60 seemed like an appropriate moment for change, expressing a desire to explore fresh experiences. She made this realization following her birthday festivities.

Hoda reminisced about a moment when she was standing outside, admiring a group of stunning individuals holding captivating signs. She felt, “This is the pinnacle of the wave for me,” she thought, believing it couldn’t get any better. In that instant, she made up her mind that this was the perfect time for her to take a step forward.

Meanwhile, although the esteemed journalist hasn’t officially announced a departure until early next year, some individuals, such as Today meteorologist Dylan Dreyer, are already speculating about potential replacements for her position.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

Dylan shared with TopMob News at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards on Sept. 26, “I don’t believe naming someone from our main team would be unexpected.” He added, “We’ve all stepped in when someone’s absent. I’m not aware of any decisions being made yet, but if it’s one of the core members, I truly can’t say I’d be surprised.

Dylan describes this central team, consisting of Jenna, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, Carson Daly, and Weekend Today co-anchors Peter Alexander and Laura Jarrett, as being very much like a family. Each one, he believes, would be outstanding working alongside co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

But for now, Hoda will continue as a fixture of weekday mornings.

To see more of the Today host and her family over the years, keep reading.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

This Halloween has come and gone once more! Hoda and her eldest child celebrated it again together, portraying their personas from Sesame Street.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

On Halloween 2019, the hostess of Today’s program can be seen enjoying quality time with her mother and Haley’s grandmother in a sweet family photo.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

In May 2019, Kotb shared on Instagram a photo of Haley feeding her baby girl, Hope. (Paraphrased)

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

Kathie Lee Gifford, a longtime former colleague and close friend of Hoda, encountered Hope in the beginning of May. The two of them sported bright smiles throughout the entire day.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

In April, the 55-year-old host posted a family picture on Instagram for the first time, captioning it “Here we are, hugs and kisses” (or simply “This is us with love”).

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

In an unexpected and heartwarming moment, I shared with my beloved “Today” show family the joyous news that I had quietly welcomed a new addition to ours: a precious little girl whom I’ve named Hope.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

On Valentine’s Day, the TV host commemorated Haley’s second birthday and expressed her feelings on Instagram by stating, “There’s so much love surrounding us today.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

Today, co-anchor Hoda was pictured alongside her adorable 1-year-old, Haley, wearing a charming t-shirt that read “mama” in honor of Mother’s Day.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

Early morning photo sessions from bed on Mother’s Day were fantastic,” exclaimed the joyful mother in an adorable Instagram selfie.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

In March 2018, the native of Oklahoma celebrated Joel Schiffman’s 60th birthday together with their daughter and a homemade cake they had prepared.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

The TV host exclaimed “Home sweet home” on Instagram, having returned after a two-week stint reporting from the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

On the eve of her journey to Pyeongchang for the 2018 Winter Olympics, the television personality enjoyed some playful moments with her darling and her American-themed hat.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

On that chilly 14th of January, Hoda and her enthusiastic young supporter could be found rooting for the New Orleans Saints as they faced off against the Minnesota Vikings. Go team, Saints!

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

On this joyful Christmas day, the journalist exclaimed, “We’re all set!”, as she captured a heartwarming selfie with her mother, partner, and precious child.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

On November 23rd, Hoda was captured smiling with her partner and their little daughter during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

On her initial Halloween celebration, Haley donned a charming rabbit outfit while delighting in trick-or-treating, all supervised from a stroller pushed by her mother and her mother’s partner.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

On October 26th, Hoda adorned Haley in a pumpkin outfit, expressing her excitement on Instagram with the caption, “I can’t wait!!!

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

Over the Labor Day weekend at the beach, Hoda took a group selfie with six-month-old Haley, as well as her mother, sister, and brother. In this photo, her mother was on the left side, her sister was positioned at the top right corner, and her brother was next to her on the right side.

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

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

Why Hoda Kotb Wore "M" Necklace During Today Show Exit Announcement

In 2017, during Mother’s Day weekend, the three-month-old made a surprising appearance on the Today Show, which was her first time on television.

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2024-09-28 01:48