After a remarkable 26-year run with NBC News, and a significant stint as a beloved co-host on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, Hoda Kotb has officially bid farewell to the show. Her departure, marked by an emotional final episode, has left many viewers wondering: Why Is Hoda Leaving The Today Show? Let’s delve into the heartfelt reasons behind her decision and explore the touching moments from her last appearance.
In her final moments on air, Hoda stood alongside Jenna Bush Hager, surrounded by the dedicated production team and staff who have been the backbone of the show. Expressing deep gratitude, she acknowledged, “This is our longtime staff, our incredible crew, our producers. They all came. They’re all here. This is the crew that when you walk in the room, they say ‘Good morning,’ lift you up.” She specifically praised Talia Parkinson-Jones, the show’s executive producer, as “the best hire that NBC made,” highlighting the strong bonds and appreciation she cultivated during her time.
Hoda’s daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 5, were also present, underscoring the central theme of her departure: family. She reminded viewers to anticipate “TODAY with Jenna & Friends,” set to premiere on January 13, signaling the show’s continuation and her ongoing support from afar.
Before the program concluded, a symbolic scene unfolded: Hoda was seen behind the wheel of a car, her daughters in the back, ready for what she termed their “next adventure.” This playful yet poignant departure was laden with meaning, further clarified by the decorations adorning her car.
A banner reading “Just repotted” and tin cans trailing behind evoked the imagery of newlyweds with “Just married” signs, but in Hoda’s case, it represented a new beginning, a fresh start. “Repotting” is the very word Hoda used previously to articulate her decision to leave TODAY, drawing an analogy from Maria Shriver. As she explained on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna in October, “I love the term ‘repotting.’ It’s like you’re pulled up by your very roots, your foundation, everything that grounds you, and your roots are in the air and you’re scared. ‘Where am I going to land?’” This metaphor beautifully encapsulates the mix of vulnerability and anticipation that comes with significant life changes.
The “Hoda-bration,” as her farewell week was playfully called, was filled with tributes and emotional moments. Her mother appeared in a video message, and notable personalities like Gayle King, Jimmy Fallon, and her former co-host Kathie Lee Gifford all joined to celebrate her legacy. Jenna Bush Hager’s heartfelt letter and Hoda’s own “thank you note” goodbye letter added to the emotional resonance of the farewell.
Singer Walker Hayes also performed, contributing to the celebratory yet bittersweet atmosphere. Leading up to her final show, TODAY had aired a retrospective on Hoda’s impactful career, and surprise appearances from figures like Olympic legend Simone Biles and Dateline’s Keith Morrison, along with messages from Maria Shriver, Oprah Winfrey, and Jamie Lee Curtis, further emphasized her widespread influence and the high regard in which she is held. Even Kermit the Frog serenaded Hoda with “The Rainbow Connection,” a truly unique and touching tribute.
Hoda made sure to express her heartfelt thanks to the fans who gathered to support her on her last day, acknowledging their cards, gifts, and messages of love and appreciation.
The underlying reason for why Hoda Kotb is leaving the Today show boils down to family and personal priorities. Announced last September, her departure is driven by a desire to dedicate more time to her daughters, Haley and Hope. This decision became clearer as she approached her 60th birthday. “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” she stated. “Obviously I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have,” she added, emphasizing the precious and finite nature of time, especially when it comes to family.
In conclusion, Hoda Kotb’s departure from the Today Show marks not an end, but a transition. Her decision, deeply rooted in her love for her family and her desire to embrace a new chapter, is met with understanding and admiration from viewers and colleagues alike. While she will be missed on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, her legacy of warmth, authenticity, and connection will undoubtedly endure, and her next adventure, much like her “repotting,” is eagerly anticipated.
