Hoda Kotb on the set of The Today Show on Friday, April 12, 2024
Nathan Congleton | NBC Universal | Getty Images
Hoda Kotb announced in a letter to employees Thursday that she will step down as co-host of NBC’s “TODAY” early next year.
“As I write this, my heart is on the map,” she wrote. “I know I made the right decision, but it was a painful one. You are all the reason. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I feel that deeply right now. I love you and It’s time for me to leave this show.
Kotb first joined NBC News as a reporter in 1998 and appeared regularly on “Dateline.” In 2007, she became the inaugural host of Today’s fourth hour, later joined by Kathie Lee Gifford and Jenna Bush Hager. In 2018, she also became the co-host of the show’s 7:00 AM ET episode along with Savannah Guthrie.
In her letter, the veteran journalist thanked the “TODAY” staff and wrote that she celebrated her 60th birthday on the show in August, which showed she was ready for the next chapter.
Kotb said she will remain at NBCUniversal, but did not specify in what capacity.
“I’m happy and grateful and plan to continue being a part of the NBC family in what has been the longest working relationship I’ve ever had the honor to hold close to my heart,” she wrote. “I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you will always be a part of me.”
Revealed: NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC and NBC, airs “TODAY.”
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