Hoda Kotb pays heartbreaking tribute to Jenna Bush Hager as she announces shock departure from TODAY after 26 years live on air
Today, legend Hoda Kotb announced that she will be leaving the show early next year after nearly three decades at the helm.
The 60-year-old presenter shared the surprising update in a heartfelt message to her colleagues and the ‘Today family’, who were live on the radio on Thursday morning.
Hoda, who has worked at NBC News for 26 years, immediately became tearful as she explained to her co-hosts that her 60th birthday had been a “monumental moment” where she decided it was time to “try something new.”
She also wrote a letter explaining her “painful” decision, explaining that celebrating her 60th birthday brought about a huge change in her life.
“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 all and it’s time for me to leave the show.
Today show icon Hoda Kotb has announced she will be leaving the show early next year
“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But that’s only because you were there with me through this 26-year adventure. When I look back, the math is insane. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven at the seven o’clock, sixteen at the ten o’clock.”
She continued, “I see your faces 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 some of my most cherished friendships.”
She then paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ride-or-die Jenna Bush Hager, claiming 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 every single one of you at TODAY so much.”
The TV star added that she had thought long and hard about the decision, continuing: ‘I’ve been considering 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 career in broadcasting 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 ahead for all of us. But I know one thing for sure now: everything will be okay. The peacock’s feathers never get 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.”
She concluded, “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.”