Hoda Kotb’s 26-year journey on NBC’s Today show, culminating in a 7-year co-anchor partnership with Savannah Guthrie, was marked by a tapestry of poignant and memorable moments. Her decision to depart in January 2025, at the age of 60, stemmed from a desire to embrace new challenges and dedicate more time to her daughters, Haley and Hope, recognizing the precious and finite nature of time. This transition also allowed her to pursue a passion project: developing a wellness app and company encompassing retreats, a podcast, and other transformative experiences.
Kotb’s time on Today was deeply interwoven with her personal life, with the show serving as a platform to share her joys and vulnerabilities with viewers. The announcements of her daughters’ adoptions, both via emotional call-ins to the show, stand out as particularly touching occasions. In February 2017, she tearfully introduced Haley to the world, radiating joy and gratitude. Similarly, the arrival of Hope in April 2019 was met with an outpouring of love and support from her colleagues and viewers alike, solidifying the show’s role as a familial extension of her own life.
Beyond the personal milestones, Kotb’s tenure was also marked by significant professional achievements and historical moments. Her appointment as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie in January 2018, following Matt Lauer’s departure, marked a watershed moment for the program, establishing the first all-female anchor duo in Today show history. This transition, met with widespread enthusiasm, underscored Kotb’s journalistic prowess and solidified her place as a respected figure in morning television. She navigated this new chapter with grace and resilience, fostering a strong partnership with Guthrie that became a defining characteristic of the show.
Kotb’s openness extended to sharing more challenging aspects of her life as well. She bravely discussed her breast cancer battle, which coincided with her divorce from Burzis Kanga, highlighting the emotional toll of navigating those difficult experiences simultaneously. She also candidly shared the news of her broken engagement with Joel Schiffman in January 2022, emphasizing the importance of amicable co-parenting and maintaining a friendship. Later, she opened up about her daughter Hope’s health scare, expressing gratitude for her recovery and the support she received during that challenging period.
Throughout her time on Today, Kotb’s genuine warmth and empathy resonated with viewers, forging a deep connection that extended beyond the screen. Her interviews were often marked by genuine emotion, whether it was being moved to tears by Drew Brees’ generous donation to Louisiana’s COVID-19 relief efforts or reflecting on her father’s legacy on his birthday. These moments of vulnerability further cemented her relatability and endeared her to audiences who appreciated her authenticity.
Kotb’s final days on Today were filled with both celebration and poignant farewells. Her 60th birthday was commemorated with heartfelt tributes from colleagues and friends, including a surprise appearance by former President George W. Bush, who presented her with a touching painting of her and her daughters. The announcement of her departure was met with an outpouring of love and appreciation, with Guthrie acknowledging Kotb’s courage in pursuing new dreams and Bush Hager expressing gratitude for her mentorship and friendship. Her final episode was a star-studded affair, featuring appearances by close friends and colleagues, culminating in a moving “love letter” to her fans and a touching send-off surrounded by her daughters and the Today show family. The image of Kotb driving away from 30 Rock with her daughters, a “Just Repotted” sign adorning their minivan, symbolized the beginning of a new chapter, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and genuine connection.
