The Real Reasons Hoda Kotb Left The Today Show: A New Chapter After 26 Years

The news that Hoda Kotb was leaving the Today Show sent shockwaves through the television industry and among her dedicated fanbase. As of December 18, 2025, months after her emotional on-air farewell, the reasons behind her surprising departure from the iconic NBC morning program remain a major topic of discussion, with the beloved anchor citing deeply personal motivations for her exit after more than two decades.

Hoda’s decision to step away from the daily grind of live television, which culminated in her final broadcast in January 2025, marked the end of a high-profile chapter in her career. Her move was a conscious choice to prioritize family and embark on a new professional journey, a decision she openly shared with the public, sparking both sadness and support from viewers worldwide.

Hoda Kotb: Biography and Career Timeline

Hoda Kotb is an award-winning American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author, best known for her tenure at NBC News. Her career is marked by resilience, warmth, and a unique ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.

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• Full Name: Hoda Kotb
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1964
• Place of Birth: Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Parents: A.K. Kotb and Sameha "Sami" Kotb (Both of Egyptian descent)
• Education: Virginia Tech (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism, 1986)
• Children: Two adopted daughters, Haley Joy Kotb and Hope Catherine Kotb (with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman)
• Major Career Milestones:
  • 1986–1998: Worked as a reporter and anchor for local news stations, including WWL-TV in New Orleans.
  • 1998: Joined NBC News as a correspondent for Dateline NBC.
  • 2007: Began co-hosting the fourth hour of the Today Show with Kathie Lee Gifford (later with Jenna Bush Hager).
  • 2018: Named co-anchor of the main two hours of the Today Show (replacing Matt Lauer), alongside Savannah Guthrie.
  • 2025: Officially departed the Today Show in January to pursue other interests.

The Personal Truth: Why Hoda Said Goodbye to the Morning Show

The question of "Why is Hoda leaving the Today Show?" was definitively answered by the anchor herself. Her decision was not due to a scandal, a rift with co-hosts, or a lack of viewership, but a deeply personal and emotional need to rebalance her life.

Prioritizing Family and Motherhood

The most significant and publicly stated reason for Hoda Kotb’s departure was her desire to spend more time focusing on her two young daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.

Working the demanding schedule of a morning news anchor requires extremely early wake-up calls and long, intense days. As a mother of young children, Hoda felt a growing pull to be more present in their lives. She often spoke about the challenge of balancing a high-profile career with the joys of motherhood, a sentiment that resonated with many working parents. Her decision was a conscious choice to step back from the spotlight and dedicate her time to the precious, fleeting years of raising her family.

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Turning the Page at 60: A New Life Chapter

Hoda’s 60th birthday, celebrated in 2024, served as a major turning point and catalyst for her decision. She openly shared that the milestone prompted a profound realization about the finite nature of time and the importance of pursuing personal fulfillment outside of her career.

During her announcement, Hoda explained, "I realized that it was time for me to turn the page," signifying a desire for a fresh start. This "new chapter" involves embracing mindfulness, self-care, and a slower pace of life. It’s a move from the relentless demands of breaking news to a focus on personal well-being and inspirational work.

Behind the Scenes Speculation and Financial Rumors

While Hoda’s personal reasons were clear, the high-stakes world of network television always generates speculation about other factors, particularly concerning contracts and finances.

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The Contract Negotiation Angle

One persistent rumor revolved around the timing of her contract. Hoda Kotb’s contract with NBC was reportedly up for renewal around the time of her announcement. In the past, contract negotiations have been a source of tension and speculation for major network stars.

Some reports suggested that NBC, facing pressure to manage costs, may have asked the long-time anchor to take a significant pay cut from her reported $20 million-plus annual salary. While this remains unconfirmed by official sources, the confluence of a contract expiry and a major departure always fuels the narrative that financial negotiations played a role, even if the official reason was personal.

The Desire for a Different Kind of Work

Hoda has always been an author and a motivational figure. Her post-Today Show plans suggest a pivot to a different type of media and entrepreneurial endeavor. The relentless pressure of daily news coverage may have simply become less appealing than the prospect of building her own brand focused on wellness, inspiration, and self-help—areas she has long explored through her books and podcast.

Hoda Kotb's Future: Wellness, Writing, and NBC's Succession

Hoda Kotb’s departure from the Today Show in January 2025 was a goodbye to the daily anchor desk, but not a retirement from the public eye. Her future plans are centered on a new mission, and NBC has already moved to fill the large void she left behind.

Launching a Wellness Company

A major focus for Hoda is the launch of a new wellness company. This venture is expected to embrace mindfulness, self-care, and motivational speaking, leveraging her strong personal brand and her history of overcoming adversity, including a battle with breast cancer. Her appearances at events like the 2025 Forbes Power Women's Summit have already highlighted her new journey as an entrepreneur and inspirational speaker.

Remaining with NBC News

Crucially, Hoda Kotb is not cutting all ties with the network that made her a star. While she is no longer a daily co-anchor, she remains under contract with NBC News in a reduced capacity. This arrangement allows her to continue contributing to special projects, interviews, and perhaps occasional appearances, keeping her connected to the news organization while freeing up her schedule.

The New Faces of the Today Show

Hoda’s exit created two significant vacancies on the Today Show lineup: the main anchor role alongside Savannah Guthrie and the co-host role for the fourth hour (Today with Hoda & Jenna) alongside Jenna Bush Hager.

• Main Hour Replacement: NBC News personality Craig Melvin has stepped into the co-anchor role on the main two hours of the show, bringing his own gravitas and experience to the desk alongside Savannah Guthrie.
• Fourth Hour Replacement: Sheinelle Jones, a long-time member of the Today Show family, has been named the permanent co-host of the fourth hour, which has been rebranded as Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, after a brief period of rotating guest hosts.

Hoda Kotb’s decision to leave the Today Show was a bold and emotional move that prioritized her personal life and a new professional direction. While she is deeply missed by her colleagues and millions of viewers, her legacy as one of the most beloved figures in morning television remains intact, and her new journey promises to inspire audiences in a different, more personal way.