Here's the real reason Hoda Kotb is leaving the “Today” show

It's the end of an era, morning show fans. After nearly three decades at NBC and nearly 20 years as the face of Today show, Hoda Kotb resigns as co-moderator.

The news anchor shocked viewers around the world during the September 26 taping when she announced the emotional news of her departure after 26 years of live performance. According to diversityHoda plans to stay with the successful daytime series until early 2025. The outlet also points out that this will mean two roles in the Today Showteam, as she also took over her regular co-host position during the fourth hour segment of the show with Jenna Bush Hager.

“At 60, I realized it was time for me to move on and try something new,” she emotionally explained in a clip posted on Instagram. “I decided this was the right time for me to move on… Other than that, this is the hardest thing in the world.”

Given that she has been a staple on television for so long, fans might be curious to know the real reason why why Hoda Kotb the Today showIt turns out that her exit brings with it some important realizations, and they all concern a new era in her life that she is entering.

Why is Hoda Kotb leaving the Today show?

There are several reasons why Hoda plans to Today An important aspect of her statement is the desire to spend more time with her daughters Haley And Hopewho are both under 10 years old and were adopted later in Hoda's life.

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

She also explained her thoughts on the reasons for her departure and another aspect was the fact that she felt ready for a new era after her 60th birthday in August.

“My 60th birthday celebration on the Plaza felt like a turning point,” she said in a letter to the Today staff“Like a mighty, joyful Yes, you are! It was all so clear to me: my career as a presenter was beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life was ahead of me and now my daughters and my mother need and deserve a bigger piece of my time pie. I will miss you all terribly but I am ready and excited.”

Fortunately, this will not be the last time we see Hoda on the Today show. Deadline confirmed that she will continue to participate even after her departure in early 2025 and will therefore remain part of the TV family in some form.

We wish Hoda all the best!

As editorial assistant for entertainment and news at Good housekeepingAdrianna (she/her) writes about all things television, movies, music and pop culture. She holds a BA in Journalism and a minor in Business from Yeshiva University. She reports on shows such as The Rookie, 9-1-1 And Grey's AnatomyBut when she's not watching the latest series on Netflix, she's doing martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.