Hoda Kotb to depart ‘Today’ show on NBC in 2023

NEW YORK – Hoda Kotb, a fixture at NBC for more than two decades, has announced that she will leave her morning position on the iconic “Today” show early next year, citing her desire to focus on her family. Kotb made the emotional announcement to her team in a memo, which was later shared with viewers during a heartfelt on-air reveal.

Reflecting on her decision, Kotb explained, “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.”

Kotb has been co-anchoring the first two hours of “Today” with Savannah Guthrie since 2018, after taking over the position following Matt Lauer’s departure amidst sexual harassment allegations. She has also been hosting the fourth hour of the morning show with Jenna Bush Hager, previously alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. Kotb first joined NBC News as a correspondent for “Dateline” in 1998 before moving to the “Today” show in 2007.

Having two daughters, Haley and Hope, Kotb shared her decision with her colleagues, surrounded by their support. Reflecting on her time at NBC, Kotb expressed her gratitude and plans to remain a part of the NBC family.

Many of Kotb’s colleagues expressed their love and support during the emotional announcement, with Guthrie calling Kotb her rock and Roker her longest friend at 30 Rock. Kotb’s departure leaves two morning slots open at NBC as the network aims to regain the top morning show spot from ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Imani M. Cheers, an associate professor of digital storytelling at George Washington University, commented on Kotb’s departure, calling it a huge loss but expressing excitement for Kotb’s future endeavors. Cheers noted Kotb’s unique ability to cover both hard news and light topics with a balanced and fair approach, making her a valuable asset to the industry.