Hoda Kotb is saying goodbye to the “Today” show after 26 years. The anchor revealed Thursday that she will remain on the NBC program until Jan. 1, 2025.
When Kotb broke the emotional news, she was joined by her co-hosts, including Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones.
Hoda said that she wanted to spend more time with her daughters Hayley (7 years old) and Hope (5 years old), which was one of the reasons for her decision. She also shared a letter she had written “Today” Talked to employees about quitting.
“My heart is shattered everywhere as I write this,” she wrote. “I know I'm making the right decision, but it's painful. And you are all the reason for it. They say two things can only be right at the same time, and I feel that so deeply right now. I love you and it's time for me to leave the show.”
“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life,” he continued. “But only because you've been with me on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is crazy. 26 years at NBC News — ten years at 'Dateline,' seven on the seven o'clock hour, sixteen on the ten o'clock hour.”
“I'm imagining your faces and your families and all the ways you've lifted me up and inspired me. It makes my heart sing. So many of my professional relationships have become my dearest friendships.”
“Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my ride or die. Al: my oldest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Maz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you tremendously today.”
“I've been considering this decision for quite some time — am I really ready for this?” she continued. “But, my sixtieth birthday celebration at the Plaza felt like a paradigm shift. Like a big, joyous YES, you are ready! 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. I will miss you all so much, but I am ready and excited.”
“Because I'll be serving until early 2025, there's plenty of time for all of us to talk about what's coming next. But one thing I know for sure right now is this: Everything is going to be OK. A peacock's feathers never ruffle…no matter who comes or goes. Today and its amazing people – all of you – never falter. You always face change with grace and courage.”
Kotb has held several roles on the network over the years. She previously worked on “Dateline” and the fourth hour of “Today” alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. She and Hager have been working together since “Today with Hoda & Jenna” premiered on April 8, 2019.
Although she is exiting “Today,” she will likely work with the network in some form in the future. However, those details have yet to be revealed.
“Happily and gratefully, 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,” she concluded her letter. “I'll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of my family.”
