5 Shocking Details About Hoda Kotb’s Emotional Exit From The Today Show In 2025

The news that has been circulating for months is now official. As of today, December 18, 2025, long-time co-anchor Hoda Kotb has confirmed she is leaving her daily anchoring duties on NBC’s Today Show in early 2025, marking the end of a remarkable 17-year run on the morning program. The announcement, which came as a sudden but not entirely unexpected shock to fans, has ignited a flurry of speculation about the real reasons behind her departure and what her future holds within the NBC family.

The persistent rumors of "Hoda leaving today" were finally substantiated with a tearful on-air announcement, revealing that her final day at the anchor desk will be January 10, 2025. While she is stepping away from the daily grind of the morning show, Kotb has assured viewers that she will remain a part of the NBC network, albeit in a different capacity, prioritizing her personal life and family. This article breaks down the complete story, the official reasons, and the emotional details of her exit.

Hoda Kotb: A Complete Profile and Biography

Hoda Kotb is an Egyptian-American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author who became one of the most recognizable faces in morning television. Her career is marked by resilience, genuine warmth, and a unique ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

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• Full Name: Hoda Kotb
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1964
• Place of Birth: Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Education: Virginia Tech (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism)
• Career Start: Began her career in local news, including roles in Mississippi and Florida.
• NBC News Tenure: Joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC.
• Today Show Debut: Started co-hosting the fourth hour of the Today Show (with Kathie Lee Gifford and later Jenna Bush Hager) in 2007.
• Co-Anchor Role: Became the co-anchor of the main Today Show (the first two hours) in January 2018, replacing Matt Lauer, alongside Savannah Guthrie.
• Family Life: Adoptive mother to two daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
• Notable Achievements: Peabody Award, Daytime Emmy Award, and multiple New York Festivals awards.
• Health Battles: A breast cancer survivor, she has openly shared her journey, becoming an advocate for early detection.

The Real Reason Hoda Kotb is Leaving the Today Show Desk

The speculation about Hoda Kotb’s departure has been a recurring theme, often fueled by her occasional, and sometimes lengthy, absences from the show. However, the official announcement in late 2024/early 2025 provided a clear and deeply personal reason for her decision to step away from the demanding daily schedule.

Prioritizing Family and Motherhood

The primary and most cited reason for Hoda’s exit is her desire to spend more time focusing on her children, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. The rigorous schedule of a morning show anchor requires a very early start, which often conflicts with the critical early morning time with her daughters. Kotb has repeatedly spoken about the importance of being present for her family, and this decision reflects a commitment to prioritizing motherhood over the demands of a high-profile television career.

A Private "Family Health Matter"

Rumors about her exit intensified during a period of recent absences from the Today Show. Her colleagues, including Jenna Bush Hager and Craig Melvin, explained her time off was due to a "family health matter," a private and serious issue that required her full attention. While the specifics of the health matter remain private, the need to support her family through this time was a significant factor in her decision to leave the daily broadcast.

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The Toll of the Daily Grind

After nearly two decades of a non-stop, early-morning schedule, the decision to retire from the daily show was also a matter of personal well-being and a desire for a different pace of life. Hoda Kotb’s career with NBC News spans over 26 years, with 17 years dedicated to the Today Show. In her own words, she realized "it was time for a change," recognizing that the constant early alarms and relentless news cycle were no longer compatible with the life she wanted to live. This move is seen as a well-deserved opportunity for her to rest, write, and engage in more passion projects.

What's Next? Hoda's Future with NBC and New Projects

The departure from the anchor desk does not mean Hoda Kotb is leaving the network entirely. She has confirmed she will "remain a part of the NBC family," a move that is common for long-serving, high-profile personalities who transition into less demanding roles. This transition allows her to maintain her connection with the network and her audience while drastically reducing her daily workload.

A Continuing Role with NBC News

While her new exact role has not been fully detailed, it is expected that Hoda will continue to contribute to NBC News through special projects, in-depth interviews, and potentially a weekly or monthly series. This arrangement ensures that her voice and unique interviewing style are not entirely lost to viewers, maintaining a valuable connection for the network.

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Focus on Writing and Podcasts

Hoda Kotb is a successful author, having penned several books, including inspirational titles and children’s books. Her exit provides the perfect opportunity to focus on writing new material and expanding her existing podcast, which has a dedicated and large following. Fans can expect more personal stories, motivational content, and deep conversations in her future literary and audio projects.

Who Will Replace Hoda Kotb?

The question of who will fill the massive void left by Hoda Kotb on the main two hours of the Today Show is the next major topic of discussion. The network has a deep bench of talented journalists, and the search for a new co-anchor to sit alongside Savannah Guthrie will be one of the most closely watched personnel moves in television. Potential internal candidates include:

• Jenna Bush Hager (Hoda's co-host on the 4th hour)
• Craig Melvin (News anchor for the Today Show)
• Willie Geist (Host of Sunday Today)
• Sheinelle Jones (Co-host of the 3rd hour)

Ultimately, Hoda Kotb’s departure marks the end of an era for the Today Show. Her legacy as a warm, authentic, and inspiring presence on morning television is secure, and her decision to prioritize her family has resonated deeply with mothers and viewers everywhere.