Devastated Today show viewers announce they’re ‘done watching’ as they break down in TEARS over longtime host Hoda Kotb’s departure
Some Today Show viewers have announced they will boycott the series after longtime host Hoda Kotb announced her departure.
The 60-year-old mother of two shared the heartbreaking news Thursday morning, explaining that she will be stepping back early next year so she can devote “more of my time” to her daughters.
Fans of the morning show immediately took to social media to voice their displeasure, with some even admitting they would be “done” watching if she were gone.
“Okay I’m done watching Today,” one Instagram user commented under a video of her announcement.
“Today’s show will never be the same,” someone else agreed.
Some Today Show viewers have announced they are preparing to boycott the series after longtime host Hoda Kotb announced her departure
“She’s the reason I watch,” someone else shared.
The 60-year-old mother of two shared the heartbreaking news Thursday morning, explaining that she will be taking a step back early next year so she can devote “more of my time” to her daughters.
“Please tell me this is a joke,” a fourth comment read, while a fifth said: “Huge loss, irreplaceable.”
Others admitted that the news moved them to tears, with another user writing: ‘Literally crying after putting on my makeup.
“I start my day with you every day. I will miss you. Best wishes for all your future endeavors.”
“Oh Lord, I’m crying as I walk out the door to drop my kid off at school,” someone else announced.
“Hoda, you are a solid gold, amazing human being. Thank you for making us smile, laugh and learn.”
“I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes,” read another comment.
“I’m crying getting ready for work. I look at you everyday. You are so non-judgmental, loving and caring,” wrote another distraught fan.
Fans of the morning show immediately took to social media to share their displeasure, with some even admitting they’re “done watching” if she leaves.
Someone else called it “the end of an era,” while yet another said her departure would “leave a hole in their hearts.”
Hoda, who has worked at NBC for 26 years, became emotional herself when she shared the news live on air on Thursday.
She explained to her co-hosts that turning 60 felt like a “monumental moment” and eventually convinced her it was time to “try something new.”
The TV icon, who reportedly earns around $8 million a year, read out a letter explaining her “painful” decision to her colleagues.
“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” she said. “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. My time at NBC was the longest professional love affair of my life.
Hoda, who has worked at NBC for 26 years, became emotional as she shared the news live on the radio on Thursday
She explained to her co-hosts that turning 60 felt like a “monumental moment” which made her decide it was time to “try something new”
“But only because you stood by my side for 26 years on this adventure. In retrospect, the math is insane.
’26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven at seven o’clock, 16 at ten o’clock.
‘I see your faces before me, and your families, and all the ways you have lifted me up and inspired me.
“That’s my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become my most cherished friendships.”
She then paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ride-or-die Jenna Bush Hager, adding that she will miss everyone she worked with on the popular morning show “deeply.”
“Savannah: my rock,” she continued. “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 you all so much at Today.”
She explained that she felt a “shift” after her 60th birthday.
“My career in broadcasting has been more than meaningful, I have a new decade of my life ahead of me, and now my daughters and my mother need and deserve a bigger piece of my time,” she explained. “I will miss you all terribly, but I am ready and excited.”
Hoda told her co-hosts and viewers that her decision was largely due to her young daughters, 7-year-old Haley and 4-year-old Hope.
She said, “I didn’t have children until I was older and I think they deserve a bigger share of my time. After all, we only have an infinite amount of time.”
The longtime host added that she “will remain a part of the NBC family,” concluding: “How could I not? Family is family, and you will always be a part of mine.”