Hoda Kotb, who has served as co-anchor of NBC's Today for more than five years, has announced she will leave the morning news program in early 2025.
Kotb broke the news during Thursday's Today broadcast, citing a desire to spend more time with her family. In a letter to Today staff, she wrote, "I know I'm making the right decision, but it's a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I'm feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it's time for me to leave the show.
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"I've been weighing this decision for quite a while -- Am I truly ready?" she continued. "But, my 60th birthday celebration on the Plaza felt like a shift. Like a massive, joyful YES, you are! 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 pie. I will miss you all desperately, but I'm ready and excited... Because I'll be working through the beginning of 2025, there's plenty of time to talk about what's ahead for all of us. But one thing I know for sure right now is this: Everything's going to be just fine. The Peacock's feathers are never ruffled... no matter who comes or goes. Today and its amazing people -- all of you -- never waver. You always weather change with grace and guts."