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TODAY reacts to Hoda Kotb's announcement that she is leaving the show

Posted on by Vanessa
TODAY reacts to Hoda Kotb's announcement that she is leaving the show

After TODAY co-anchor Hoda Kotb announced live that she will leave TODAY in early 2025, the TODAY crew gave her a standing ovation.

As the show went to commercial break, TODAY's production team, camera crew and more stood to honor and hug Hoda.

TODAY's Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones and others also praised Hoda's 26-year career at NBC News.

Hoda announced her departure from TODAY in front of her co-hosts, and many of them shared tears in their eyes.

“At 60, I realized it was time for me to turn over a new leaf and try something new,” she said. “I remember standing outside and looking at this wonderful group of people with these amazing signs, and I thought, 'This is what the crest of the wave feels like to me.' And I thought, it can't get any better than this, and I decided this is the right time for me to move on.”

Hoda shared that she made the decision after her 60th birthday party at TODAY Plaza and said she wanted to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5.

“Obviously, I had my kids late in life and I thought they deserved a bigger piece of my time pie than I did,” Hoda said. “I feel like we only have a limited amount of time.

“And all in all, it is the hardest thing in the world,” she added.

TODAY co-host Dylan Dreyer was not in the studio when Hoda made her announcement, and she reacted to the news in an Instagram post.

“This is my favorite picture of @hodakotb,” Dylan wrote in the caption. “Ollie was having a meltdown, no one could calm him down, Hoda picked him up, put her arm around him and he put his around her too. She comforts, she loves, she cares for us…that's why we all love her.”

“She exceeds her talent as an anchor and is the friend we all want and need,” Dylan continued. “I love you, Hoda, and I applaud you for trusting your gut and taking this next step in your life. You do everything with enthusiasm and I can't wait to watch you take off!”

Al's wife Deborah Roberts responded to the news in a post on X.

“Wow. @hodakotb just announced that she is stepping away from the Today Show after the first part of the new year to pursue other goals and enjoy motherhood,” Roberts wrote. “What a brave and thoughtful move for a woman to put herself first!”

And even though Hoda could leave TODAY, Carson Daly quickly and cheekily offered her a spot on “The Voice.”

“I know you love music. Do you like giant red chairs?” he asked in the comments section of a TODAY Instagram post announcing her departure.

NBC News correspondent Vicky Nguyen also left a comment.

“I'm at a loss for words, but I'm completely amazed by what Hoda has accomplished, how she has always used her voice to uplift others. And don't be sad – she will continue to be a part of NBC even as she moves on to other incredible endeavors in her life,” Nguyen said, adding three red heart emojis.

TODAY contributor Ally Love also shared her reaction in the comments.

“I love you so much! And I'm sad to see you go, but no matter where you are, you bring JOY and inspiration. I'm grateful for you, friend + sister,” she wrote, adding a ton of heart emojis.

NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff posted a clip of Hoda's announcement on his Instagram story and added the caption, “@hodakotb is an absolute legend and the best of the best. Utmost respect to an amazing person.”

Soboroff said more about Hoda in a post on X.

“We could all be lucky to be a little more like @hodakotb. Authentic, kind, caring. The same in front of and behind the camera. The occasional time we spent on that sofa was also an extraordinary learning experience for me as a presenter and a human being. I am so happy for her and grateful to her,” he said, adding a red heart emoji.

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