Why did Hoda Kotb leave the show «Today»?
27 november 2025 в 20:13
Hoda Kotb broke the hearts of viewers last year when she announced her departure from the show. After 17 years on the air, the journalist decided it was time to start a new journey. She officially left the show in January 2025, but returned to co-host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with her former co-hosts in November. However, fans still want to know the reason for Hoda’s departure from Today.
Hoda announced in September 2024 that she was leaving Today after 17 years on the show. She wrote a long letter to her colleagues and co-hosts, which was published.
«As I write this, my heart is in different places», - the journalist wrote. «I know I am making the right decision, but it is painful. And all of you are the reason for this. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I feel that so deeply right now. I love you all, and it is time for me to leave the show».
Hoda then recalled her long career at NBC, remembering her 10 years on «Dateline» before moving to Today.
«My time at NBC was the longest professional romance of my life», - she continued. «But only because you were with me on this 26-year adventure. Looking back, the math is crazy. Twenty-six years at NBC News — ten years on 'Dateline', seven in the morning, sixteen at night».
In her letter, Hoda revealed that she had long weighed her decision to leave the show. The TV host mentioned her 60th birthday as a «turning point» and noted that she wants to spend more time with her children, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, whom she shares with her ex-husband Joel Schiffman.
«I saw it all so clearly: my television career was exciting, a new decade of my life ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve more attention from me», - Hoda explained. «I will miss you all immensely, but I am ready and excited».
Hoda’s last day on air for Today was January 10, 2025. She was accompanied by a live audience who marked the occasion with farewell signs, while her colleagues shared pre-recorded farewell messages.
In her letter, the NBC personality promised to «remain part of the NBC family».
«I will be around. How could I not be?» Hoda concluded. «Family is family, and you all will always be a part of mine». Additionally, Hoda returned to co-host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with her former Today co-hosts in November 2025
Hoda announced in September 2024 that she was leaving Today after 17 years on the show. She wrote a long letter to her colleagues and co-hosts, which was published.
«As I write this, my heart is in different places», - the journalist wrote. «I know I am making the right decision, but it is painful. And all of you are the reason for this. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I feel that so deeply right now. I love you all, and it is time for me to leave the show».
Hoda then recalled her long career at NBC, remembering her 10 years on «Dateline» before moving to Today.
«My time at NBC was the longest professional romance of my life», - she continued. «But only because you were with me on this 26-year adventure. Looking back, the math is crazy. Twenty-six years at NBC News — ten years on 'Dateline', seven in the morning, sixteen at night».
In her letter, Hoda revealed that she had long weighed her decision to leave the show. The TV host mentioned her 60th birthday as a «turning point» and noted that she wants to spend more time with her children, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, whom she shares with her ex-husband Joel Schiffman.
«I saw it all so clearly: my television career was exciting, a new decade of my life ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve more attention from me», - Hoda explained. «I will miss you all immensely, but I am ready and excited».
Hoda’s last day on air for Today was January 10, 2025. She was accompanied by a live audience who marked the occasion with farewell signs, while her colleagues shared pre-recorded farewell messages.
In her letter, the NBC personality promised to «remain part of the NBC family».
«I will be around. How could I not be?» Hoda concluded. «Family is family, and you all will always be a part of mine». Additionally, Hoda returned to co-host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with her former Today co-hosts in November 2025
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
