For many viewers, it’s hard to imagine turning on the TV each morning without seeing Hoda Kotb’s bright smile and warm presence on NBC’s TODAY. But the beloved co-anchor will soon step away from her early-hour duties. After nearly three decades with NBC News—covering hard-hitting stories, creating playful moments on morning television, and forging strong personal connections with audiences—Kotb is entering a new chapter of her life.
Kotb’s departure from TODAY came to light when she announced, in a tear-filled on-air moment, that her milestone 60th birthday had pushed her to reflect on her career, her family, and her future. As co-anchor Savannah Guthrie and fellow host Jenna Bush Hager looked on, Kotb struggled to hold back tears:
“I have some news… I realized I had spent 26 years at NBC, and I just turned 60… and I realized it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new.”
Those words were met with tears, hugs, and supportive nods from her colleagues. Guthrie confessed she could hardly imagine the show without Kotb, while Hager reminded her that she’d always remain part of the TODAY family.
It was a poignant, candid exchange that showed just how close these co-anchors have become—and how meaningful her departure is for the show’s dynamic.
When Is Hoda’s Last Day on TODAY?
Kotb will officially say goodbye to the TODAY audience on January 10. That means her final run on the broadcast—where she’s a fixture in the 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. hours, plus her presence later in the morning—will wrap up in just a matter of days.
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Viewers can expect the TODAY team to celebrate her achievements, look back at her memorable moments on the show, and possibly offer a heartfelt send-off on-air. It’s likely to be an emotional farewell, given how integral Kotb has been to the brand for so many years.
Who’s Replacing Hoda Kotb?
Craig Melvin, a familiar face to TODAY watchers, will step into the co-anchor seat alongside Savannah Guthrie, beginning Monday, January 13.
Melvin is hardly new to NBC; he’s spent nearly 14 years at the network, serving in various roles—from reporting on breaking news stories to anchoring segments on TODAY and MSNBC. This appointment cements his position as a leading figure on the show, and it affirms the network’s trust in his ability to maintain the warm chemistry that viewers have come to love in the 7 and 8 a.m. hours.
Melvin has been a fan favorite for his straightforward yet personable reporting style, mixing journalistic rigor with an affable on-screen persona. His promotion indicates that TODAY aims to keep a tight-knit atmosphere on set while forging ahead into new territory without Kotb at the helm.
Hoda’s Tenure at NBC
Hoda Kotb’s career with NBC started 26 years ago, though many fans might recall her earliest mainstream presence as a correspondent on Dateline. In 2008, she joined the fourth hour of TODAY, initially alongside Kathie Lee Gifford, where their friendly banter and engaging wine-sipping segments became a daytime-TV staple.
After Gifford’s exit, Jenna Bush Hager teamed up with Kotb, creating another beloved partnership. Kotb later ascended to the prime co-anchor role in the show’s main hours, pairing with Savannah Guthrie after Matt Lauer’s departure in 2017.
The synergy between Kotb and Guthrie quickly became a hallmark of TODAY. Viewers responded positively to the duo’s blend of heartfelt empathy during tough news stories, lively chatter with high-profile guests, and genuine affection for each other on-camera. Kotb’s easy laugh and Guthrie’s quick wit meshed seamlessly, bringing a distinct warmth to the show’s early segments.
Why Is Hoda Leaving?
Kotb traces her decision back to a deeply personal realization: turning 60 is a monumental moment. She explained that in looking toward this new decade, she felt the need to reevaluate her priorities and “find that next chapter” of her life. She described the day of her on-air birthday celebration as a symbolic turning point:
“I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the top of the wave feels like for me… it can’t get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to move on.’”
Family considerations played a major role in her thinking. After adopting her two daughters, Haley (now 7) and Hope (now 5), Kotb realized how valuable and finite her time with them truly is. She wants to be more present in their lives while continuing to make her mark in the media world—just in a different capacity.
Observers say it’s no shock that Kotb, an ardent advocate for children and families, would choose to shift her work-life balance toward her young kids.
Kotb told her emotional co-hosts that she intends to remain “in the NBC family,” though specifics remain vague.
She has not announced a new role, but there’s speculation she might develop special projects or appear occasionally in prime-time specials, as some other network mainstays have done after stepping away from daily programming. For viewers who adore Kotb’s relatable style and authenticity, it’s a comfort to know she’s not leaving television entirely.
Reactions From the TODAY Team
When Kotb broke the news, both Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager were visibly upset. Guthrie, near tears, called Hoda the show’s “sunshine,” praising her for her courage in deciding to chase her “next dream.” Bush Hager chimed in, saying it felt unreal to imagine TODAY without Kotb, but she respects her decision to open a new chapter in life.
Later in the broadcast, Guthrie tried to clarify to concerned viewers that “she’s not leaving the NBC family,” affirming Hoda’s promise to stick around the network in some form.
Meanwhile, other members of the production crew and extended TODAY staff quietly expressed gratitude for her leadership behind the scenes. Many credited Kotb with fostering an inclusive work atmosphere, praising her generosity, both on-camera and off.
Though the show must go on, it’s evident that her departure leaves a large gap in the daily routine.
Craig Melvin’s New Co-Anchor Role
Stepping into Hoda’s shoes, at least for the main morning hours, is Craig Melvin, who has accumulated numerous accolades while covering breaking news and politics for NBC. Known for his calm, collected reporting style, Melvin has also shown off warm comedic chemistry with Guthrie in the past. Observers say his “no-fuss, empathetic approach” complements Guthrie’s confident presence, so they anticipate a smooth transition.
Melvin is expected to begin his co-anchor duties on January 13, just three days after Kotb’s final sign-off. He’ll continue in his roles on MSNBC and TODAY segments as well, giving him a robust, expanded presence on the network.
For fans, the biggest question—apart from how the show’s dynamic might change—is what exactly Kotb’s next career step will look like. Whether she’ll host a daytime talk show, produce documentaries, or take on a philanthropic focus remains an open question. But if her track record is any measure, we can likely anticipate something uplifting and service-oriented.
As the January 10 farewell approaches, the TODAY team is expected to highlight Kotb’s best on-screen moments, from her heartfelt interviews with everyday heroes to her comedic bits with co-hosts. One might see tributes from longtime friends like Kathie Lee Gifford and celebrities who frequently visited the TODAY set. Certainly, many viewers will tune in not just to learn the headlines, but to bid their own emotional goodbye to a co-anchor who has become a morning staple.
