Sophia Michaels
On September 26, Hoda Kotb revealed her departure from the “Today” show, stating, “I realized it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and embrace new opportunities.” She made the announcement in the presence of her fellow hosts, including Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker. Kotb reflected on a moment of joy with her colleagues and concluded that it was the right time for her to move on.
Her announcement left many “Today” show viewers surprised. Comments on social media expressed disbelief, with one user stating, “I can’t believe it!” Others humorously remarked on their feelings about her leaving. However, Kotb’s decision wasn’t sudden; it seems to have been influenced by her family, particularly her daughters, Haley and Hope.
Hoda Kotb prioritizes family time with her daughters
Kotb has emphasized that her daughters significantly influenced her retirement choice. “I had my kids later in life, and they deserve a bigger slice of my time,” she stated during her announcement on the “Today” show. “Time is limited, and this decision is incredibly challenging for me.”
In 2017 and 2019, Kotb adopted Haley and Hope. Balancing work and motherhood has been demanding, highlighted by her recent trip to Paris for the 2024 Olympics, which required her to be away from her daughters. To manage her absence, she created “Love You Loops,” a paper chain representing each day she was gone, ensuring her daughters felt connected during her time away. Perhaps she’s ready for another Parisian adventure, this time including her girls!
