Hoda Kotb leaves the Today show and gets emotional on air

Hoda Kotb is coming out of the Today show after five years as co-host and nearly three decades at NBC.

Kotb, 60, announced the news on air with Savannah Guthrie on Thursday, September 26, with both women visibly excited.

“I realized it was time to move on from being 60 and try something new. This is the right time to move on,” she explained, citing her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, as motivation for the decision.

Guthrie was thrilled with the news, saying, “We love you so much and no one on the show wants to imagine this place without you.”

All good things must come to an end, even when it comes to television. Over the years, many TV stars have suddenly exited their roles, while others have been written out of a series without warning. Anna Faris announced in September 2020 that she was leaving CBS' Mom after starring as the title character. […]

At the same time, a letter written by Kotb was shared in Today.com.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the place,” Kotb wrote. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you guys are the reason. They say two things can be right at the same time, and that’s how I feel deeply right now. I love you all, and it’s time for me to leave the show.”

Kotb reflected on her time in NBC Newswhich lasted nearly three decades after an earlier stint at Dateline. She went on to co-anchor Today with Guthrie following 'Matt Lauer's exit. She also hosted the third hour with Kathie Lee Gifford and then Jenna Bush Hager.

“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life,” she recalls. “But only because you were by my side on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is crazy. Twenty-six years at NBC News, ten years at Dateline, seven at seven o’clock, sixteen at ten o’clock.”

The news anchor sent a message to those who have supported her over the years, adding: “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.”

She continued: “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,” she said. “I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY so much.”

In the statement, Kotb reflected on why she decided to part ways with Today.

“I’ve been weighing this decision for quite some time – am I really ready?” she said. “But celebrating my 60th 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 broadcasting has been more than meaningful, a new decade of life lies ahead of me, and now my daughters and mother need and deserve a larger portion of my time. I will miss them all desperately, but I am ready and excited.”

The plan is for Kotb to remain on the air until the end of the year.

“As I will continue to work through early 2025, there is plenty of time to talk about what lies ahead for all of us,” she added. “But one thing I am certain of right now is that everything is going to be okay. The peacock’s feathers never ruffle… no matter who comes or goes. Hoy and its amazing people, all of you, never waver. They always endure change with grace and courage.”

Kotb also confirmed that she won’t be leaving NBC altogether, concluding: “I happily and gratefully 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 wrote. “I’ll be around. How could I not be? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.”