Hoda Kotb, the beloved longtime co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, recently opened up about her heartfelt departure from the program in January. In an exclusive interview with People magazine, the 60-year-old shared the deeply emotional moments from her final day, revealing the true reasons behind her decision to say goodbye.
From the moment Hoda walked into 30 Rockefeller Plaza until she left, she was met with a touching parade of friends and colleagues, including Maria Shriver, Simone Biles, Andy Cohen, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Jimmy Fallon. “I remember my heart breaking,” she confessed. “When you say goodbye to something you love, even though it’s right, it’s like your heart’s broken and on display.”
The farewell was filled with touching moments, including co-host Jenna Bush Hager breaking down in tears. Hoda’s daughters, Haley (8) and Hope (6), were also present, with Haley showing concern for Jenna. Hoda described it as “super sad and super beautiful.”
Now, Hoda is focusing on a new chapter by launching her wellness brand, Joy 101, which includes an app, live events, and a subscription newsletter focused on joy, mindfulness, meditation, and overall wellness. “There’s so much more to life,” she said, reflecting on her shift in priorities.
Hoda emphasized the importance of being present for her children’s daily lives, which she missed while working on Today. She recalled special moments like seeing Haley sing “What a Wonderful World” live in the morning — moments she previously would have missed.
Her decision to step back was also influenced by her younger daughter Hope’s ongoing battle with type 1 diabetes. “It’s constant care,” Hoda explained. “We’re monitoring her 24/7. She’s a trooper — getting four or five shots daily for a year.” Despite the challenges, Hoda praised Hope’s resilience and emphasized that diabetes is only part of her daughter’s story, not the whole.
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Being available for Hope became non-negotiable, something her demanding Today schedule couldn’t accommodate. “I needed to be here to watch over her, even if that means waking up multiple times a night,” Hoda shared. However, she hopes Hope never feels guilty, saying, “It wasn’t just because of her, but it was part of the decision.”
While her constant presence at home sometimes disrupts the kids’ routine, Hoda is learning to balance being a calmer mother and embracing this new lifestyle. She now enjoys waking up later, meditating, journaling, taking her kids to school, hitting the gym or tennis lessons, and spending quality time with her family. “I pick up my guitar more and go on walks with other moms — things I never did before because I was too tired,” she admitted.
Hoda cherishes the simple joys of motherhood, like her kids waving to her from the window or cuddling with her at night. “When I wake up and they’re nuzzled into me, I think, ‘I get to lay here with these two kids who just want to be close to me,’” she said.
As Hoda embarks on this new journey, fans wonder who might replace her on Today. Stay tuned for updates on potential successors.
