TODAY’s Hoda Kotb announced in a letter to staff and live on television Thursday that she will step down as co-anchor after more than five years, in an emotional moment for her colleagues.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” the letter read in part. “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 feel that so deeply right now. I love you And “It’s time for me to leave the show.”

While her co-host may have known Kotb was leaving, Kotb became visibly emotional Thursday morning when co-host Savannah Guthrie indicated that Hoda was about to share some news with the show’s viewers.

“Yeah, I have some news. So I did the math and I realized I worked at NBC for 26 years,” Kotb said, holding back tears. “And I just turned 60.”

Kotb went on to say that celebrating her 60th birthday in August was a “monumental moment.”

“I started thinking about that decade,” Kotb said. “What’s that decade going to mean, what does it hold for me? And I realized that at 60, it was time to turn the page and try something new. 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 couldn’t get any better, and I decided this was the right time to move on.”

Kotb added that her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, played a role in the decision.

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

“And when I say all that, this is the hardest thing there is.”

Kotb went on to say that she would remain with TODAY through January 1, 2025, and that she would remain part of the NBC family.

Kotb also shared an emotional letter to TODAY staff on Sept. 26 about her decision to resign, TODAY.com reported.

The full letter can be found below:

To my TODAY family,

As I write this, my heart is all over the map. I know I am making the right decision, but it is a painful one. And you are all the reason why. They say that 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.

My time at NBC was the longest professional love affair of my life. But that was only because you were by my side for this 26-year adventure. When I look back, the math is insane. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven at seven, sixteen at ten. I see your faces and your families and all the ways you lifted me up and inspired me. That’s my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become some of my most cherished friendships. Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend on 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY terribly.

I’ve been thinking about this decision for a while – Am I really ready? But celebrating my 60th birthday at the Plaza felt like a change. Like a huge, joyful YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly: my broadcasting career has been more than meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead of me, and now my daughters and my mother need and deserve a bigger piece of my time. I will miss you all terribly, but I am ready and excited.

Since I’m working through early 2025, there’s plenty of time to talk about what’s in store for all of us. But I know one thing for sure now: everything will be okay. The peacock’s feathers are never ruffled…no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its wonderful people—all of you—never falter. You always face change with grace and courage.

Fortunately and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I have been fortunate enough to hold dear to my heart. I will be there. How could I not? Family is family and you will always be a part of mine.

Love,

Hoda

Hoda posted a photo on Instagram on Thursday with the phrase, “Btw I’m wearing the smile you gave me,” captioned with, “Happy Thursday xx and thank you.”