After 26 years at NBC, longtime journalist Hoda Kotb is stepping down from her role on “Today,” marking the end of an era in mainstream morning news. Kotb, who has been a mainstay on NBC’s airwaves, announced her decision to leave the iconic show in an emotional message, explaining her desire to focus on family as she enters a new chapter of life.
At 60, Kotb has enjoyed a lengthy and successful career, but the pressures of modern life, family, and personal fulfillment seem to have taken priority over her media role. Her announcement, while surprising to some, underscores a reality that many Americans face: the need to step back and focus on what truly matters—family, faith, and personal well-being.
In a heartfelt letter to her colleagues, Kotb shared her internal conflict. “As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” she said, expressing how difficult the decision was. “They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.”
In true Kotb fashion, she remained gracious, acknowledging the friendships and professional relationships that have shaped her time at NBC. But despite the love for her career, she was clear that the time had come to prioritize her daughters, Haley and Hope, as well as her mother.
“I started thinking about that decade. I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new,” Kotb shared with her co-anchors, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and others. With two young daughters at home, Kotb’s decision to step away aligns with a growing trend among women in high-powered careers who are choosing to focus on their families, especially in a world increasingly focused on work-life balance.
It’s a bold move for Kotb, who was once thrust into the national spotlight when she took over for Matt Lauer in 2018 after he was fired amid sexual misconduct allegations. Kotb handled the transition with grace, helping the show navigate through a turbulent time. She has long been viewed as a steady, positive presence on morning television, co-anchoring the first two hours of “Today” and leading the 10 a.m. hour alongside Jenna Bush Hager.
Her decision to step down from the show, however, doesn’t mean she’s leaving NBC entirely. Kotb reassured fans and colleagues alike that she would remain part of the NBC family, though she did not specify in what capacity. “I’m gonna be here past the first of the year, and I’m gonna stay in the NBC family,” she said, leaving the door open for future projects.
For many viewers, Kotb’s departure is bittersweet. While she will be missed on “Today,” her decision to focus on family is something that resonates deeply with conservative values—particularly the belief in the importance of putting family first. At a time when the media often glorifies career above all else, Kotb’s choice is a refreshing reminder of the importance of balance.
As she steps away from her daily duties, it’s clear Kotb’s legacy in broadcast journalism is well-secured. From her early days as a reporter in Moline, Illinois, to her 26-year tenure at NBC, Kotb has made her mark. Now, as she turns her attention to her daughters, many will admire her decision to prioritize what really matters: family, love, and a life well-lived.
Kotb’s exit from “Today” is more than just the end of a career—it’s a powerful statement about the values that should guide us all.
