Hoda Kotb, a fixture at NBC for more than two decades, announced Thursday that she will leave her morning perch on the Today show early next year, telling staffers “it’s time.”
In a memo to her team and later on air, Kotb said her 60th birthday this summer helped trigger the departure. “I saw it all so clearly: my broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie.”
Kotb has co-anchored Today with Savannah Guthrie since 2018, filling in after Matt Lauer was fired amid sexual harassment allegations. She first joined NBC News as a correspondent for “Dateline” in 1998, and later joined “Today” in 2007.
Her goodbye note mentioned many of her co-workers, like Jenna Bush Hager and Al Roker: “Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock.”
“Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine,” she wrote.
Who Will Replace Hoda Kotb?
The announcement of Kotb’s departure immediately sparked speculation about who would replace her. The network has not yet announced who will take over, but there are a number of potential candidates. Here are five possibilities:
Jenna Bush Hager
Hager seems like the obvious choice. She already hosts the final hour of Today with Kotb, with whom she shares an easy chemistry. Young women love Hager’s relatability as a young mother, and she’s a popular social media presence. She lacks hard news chops that are often necessary on morning shows—Kotb had a rare ability to toggle between chugging wine with Gifford and discussing the economy—but Savannah Guthrie is very strong on hard news, so it may not be an issue.
Natalie Morales
Morales is a seasoned journalist who has been with NBC News for over two decades. She has a strong track record as a correspondent for Dateline and as a co-host of the Today show. She's also familiar with the format and the team. She's been with NBC News for over 20 years.
Craig Melvin
Melvin is already a familiar face on Today, and he's been steadily gaining prominence in recent years. He’s a skilled interviewer, and he has a warm and engaging personality. He also co-anchors Today‘s third hour, so he’s already familiar with the format and the team. He is known for his warm demeanor, his engaging personality, and his sharp interviewing skills. He co-anchors the third hour of Today.
Sheinelle Jones
Jones co-hosts the third hour of Today, and she has become an audience favorite. They love getting updates on her three children, and Jones’ down-to-earth approach to work-life balance has earned her a strong social media following. The Philly native is known as a hard worker and has been with Today for 10 years. If she or Jarrett were selected, they would be Today’s first Black woman co-host.
Stephanie Ruhle
Ruhle is a veteran journalist who has worked for CNBC, MSNBC, and Bloomberg. She's known for her sharp wit and her ability to break down complex financial issues in an easy-to-understand way. If NBC were looking for someone to bring a more business-focused perspective to the show, Ruhle would be a good choice.
The Impact of Kotb's Departure
Kotb’s departure is a significant one for Today. She’s been a beloved member of the cast for years, and she’s been a key part of the show’s success. Her departure will leave a big hole in the show’s lineup, and it will be interesting to see who NBC chooses to replace her.
Whoever is chosen, they will have big shoes to fill. Kotb is known for her warmth, her humor, and her ability to connect with viewers. She’s also a skilled interviewer, and she’s been a strong advocate for women and families. It’s hard to imagine Today without her, but it's clear that her departure will mark a new era for the show.
What's Next for Kotb?
Kotb has not revealed what her plans are after leaving Today. However, she said in her announcement that she plans to remain part of the NBC family. It’s possible that she will take on a new role with the network, or she may decide to focus on other projects.
Regardless of what she decides to do, Kotb’s legacy as a beloved television personality is secure. She's touched countless lives with her warmth, her humor, and her genuine personality. She will be missed on Today, but she is sure to continue to be a force in the world of television.
Farewell to a Friend
Hoda Kotb’s departure from the Today show is a bittersweet moment for viewers. It’s the end of an era for the show, but it's also a new beginning for Kotb. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors, and we are confident that she will continue to make a positive impact on the world. We will miss her infectious smile and her warm personality, but we’re excited to see what she does next.
