Today show legend Hoda Kotb has announced she will be leaving the show early next year.
The long-time host, 60, shared the shock update in an emotional message to her colleagues and “Today family” on Thursday morning.
Hoda, who has been part of NBC News for 26 years, also wrote a letter explaining her decision in which she stated: ‘As I write this, my heart is all over the place. 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 all, and it’s time for me to leave the show.’
‘My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you’ve been by my side on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is crazy. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven at seven o’clock, sixteen at ten o’clock.’
She continued: ‘I picture their faces and their families and all the ways they have encouraged and inspired me. That’s what my heart sings about. Many of my professional relationships have become some of my most treasured friendships.
Today show icon Hoda Kotb has announced she will be leaving the show early next year.
‘Savannah: My rock. Jenna: My partner in crime. Al: My oldest friend on 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: My family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: My fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY so much.’
The TV star added that she has been thinking a lot about the decision, continuing: ‘I’ve been weighing this decision for quite some time now – Am I really ready? But, celebrating my sixtieth birthday at the Plaza felt like a game changer. Like a huge, joyous YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly – my career in radio has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life is ahead of me and now my daughters and mother need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. I will miss them all desperately, but I am ready and excited.
‘As I’ll continue to work through early 2025, there’s plenty of time to talk about what lies ahead for all of us. But one thing I know for sure right now: everything is going to be okay. The peacock’s feathers never ruffle… no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its amazing people, all of you, never waver. You always endure change with grace and courage.’
She concluded: “Happy and grateful, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I’ve been fortunate enough to hold close to my heart. I’ll be there. How could I not be? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.”