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TODAY Responds to Hoda Kotb Announcing She’s Leaving the Show

Vaseline September 26, 2024

After TODAY co-host Hoda Kotb announced on the air that she would be leaving TODAY in early 2025, the TODAY team gave her a standing ovation.

As commercials for the show began, the TODAY team of producers, cameramen and others stood to honor and hug Hoda.

TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones and others were also on hand to praise Hoda’s 26-year career at NBC News.

Hoda announced she was leaving TODAY, surrounded by her co-hosts, who, like her, were in tears.

“I realized that at 60, it was time to turn the page and try something new,” she said. “I remember standing outside and looking at this beautiful group of people with these beautiful signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the crest of the wave feels like to me.’ And I thought, it can’t get any better, and I decided this was the right time to move on.”

Hoda said she made the decision after celebrating her 60th birthday at TODAY Plaza and wanting to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5.

“Obviously, I had my kids late in life, and I thought they deserved a bigger share of my time than I have,” Hoda said. “I feel like we only have a limited amount of time.

“And when we’ve all said that, this is the hardest thing in the world,” she added.

TODAY co-host Dylan Dreyer was not in the studio when Hoda made her announcement. She responded to the news in an Instagram post.

“This is my favorite pic of @hodakotb,” Dylan wrote in the caption. “Ollie was having a meltdown, no one could calm him down, Hoda picks him up, puts her arm around him and he puts his arm around her. She comforts her, she loves her, she cares about her… that’s why we all love her.”

“Far beyond her talent as an anchor, she is the friend we all want and need,” Dylan continued. “I love you Hoda and applaud you for trusting your intuition and taking this next step in your life. You do everything with enthusiasm and I can’t wait to see you fly!”

Al’s wife Deborah Roberts responded to the news in a post on X.

“Wow. @hodakotb just announced she’s stepping down from The Today Show at the start of the new year to pursue other goals & embrace motherhood,” Roberts wrote. “What a bold and thoughtful move for a woman to put herself first!”

And while Hoda may be leaving TODAY, Carson Daly cheekily offered her a spot on “The Voice.”

“I know you love music. Do you love big red chairs?” he asked in the comments under an Instagram post from TODAY announcing her departure.

NBC News correspondent Vicky Nguyen also left a comment.

“I can’t find the words, but I’m so amazed by what Hoda has done. She has always used her voice to support others. And don’t be sad, she will remain a part of NBC even though she is busy with other incredible work in her life,” Nguyen said, adding three red heart emojis.

TODAY contributor Ally Love also shared her reaction in the comments.

“I love you so much! And I’m sad to see you go but wherever you are you bring JOY and inspiration. I’m grateful for your friend + sister,” she wrote, adding a bunch of hand heart emojis.

NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff posted a clip of Hoda’s announcement to his Instagram Story, adding the following caption: “@hodakotb is an absolute legend and the best of the best. Huge respect to a great person.”

Soboroff wrote more about Hoda in a post on X.

“We would all be lucky if we were a little more like @hodakotb. Authentic, kind, caring. Same on and off camera. The occasional time we spent together on that couch was also an extraordinary learning experience for me as a presenter and as a person. I am happy and grateful for her,” he said, adding a red heart emoji.