Why Did Hoda Kotb Leave Today? The Real Reason Behind Her Departure

Hoda Kotb broke Today viewers’ hearts when she announced her departure from the morning show after 17 years on the air, officially stepping down in January 2025 to focus on family and new projects.The journalist later made a high-profile return to co-host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November.

But earlier this year, Kotb found herself back in Studio 1A more regularly — not as a permanent host, but stepping in as Today co-anchor once again.Her return began in February 2026 when longtime co-host Savannah Guthrie stepped away after her mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing.

Kotb has been filling in alongside Craig Melvin as the Today family rallies around Guthrie and her family, showing solidarity amid the ongoing search for Nancy.Below, learn more about why Kotb left Today.

Did Hoda Kotb Quit the Today Show? Hoda announced in September 2024 that she was leaving Today after 17 years with the show.She wrote a lengthy letter to her co-workers and co-anchors, which the outlet shared.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” the journalist wrote.“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’m feeling that so deeply right now.

I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.” Hoda then reflected on her decades-long career with NBC, recalling her 10 years at Dateline before joining Today.“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life,” she continued.

“But only because you’ve been beside me on this 26-year adventure.Looking back, the math is nuts.

Twenty-six years at NBC News — Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o’clock hour, sixteen on the ten o’clock hour.” Why Did Hoda Kotb Leave Today? In her letter, Hoda revealed that she had been “weighing this decision for quite a while” to leave the show.The television anchor cited her 60th birthday ...