After many months away from the Today show, Hoda Kotb shared: “It’s not the work I miss—it’s the people.”

For over a decade, Hoda Kotb was a comforting, familiar presence on millions of television screens every morning. With her warm smile, infectious laughter, and heartfelt storytelling, she became more than just a co-anchor—she was a part of people’s morning rituals. But when she stepped away from the Today show months ago to prioritize her family, fans across the country were left wondering: what would life after Today look like for Hoda?

Now, after taking time to reflect, Kotb is finally opening up in a rare and candid interview about her life post-Today, revealing that while she doesn’t miss the daily grind or being in front of the camera, there is one thing that tugs at her heart—deeply and unexpectedly. “It’s not the work I miss—it’s the people,” she says with a soft smile.

A Pause for What Matters Most

Hoda’s decision to step back wasn’t sudden. It came after years of juggling a demanding broadcasting schedule with the even more demanding job of being a mother. In 2017, Hoda adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy, followed by her second daughter, Hope Catherine, in 2019. Parenthood changed her—it re-centered her priorities, widened her emotional landscape, and brought with it a new kind of clarity.

“Waking up at 3:30 a.m. to head into the studio was something I had done for so long, it just became part of who I was,” she explains. “But when I looked into my daughters’ eyes, I started to ask myself: Am I giving them the best of me—or just what’s left of me?”

Stepping away gave her something she hadn’t had in years: stillness. Mornings that once began in hair and makeup chairs now start with snuggles and cereal. Days once filled with interviews and teleprompters are now packed with playground visits, bedtime stories, and quiet moments that Hoda admits she used to rush through.

“I didn’t want to look back and realize I missed the most important moments,” she says. “So I gave myself permission to pause.”

Reconnecting Over Coffee—and Memories

Still, even in the joy of her new rhythm, there are moments of ache. Hoda recently met up with her former co-host and dear friend Savannah Guthrie for coffee, a simple gesture that unexpectedly stirred up deep emotions.

“We laughed like we always do, finished each other’s sentences—and I suddenly realized how much I missed that instant daily connection,” Hoda recalls. “It wasn’t the job itself. It wasn’t the lights or the set or even the interviews. It was the people—the small in-between moments that nobody sees.”

For Hoda, her relationships with her co-hosts and the crew were not just professional bonds—they were lifelines. The early morning hugs, the off-camera jokes, the unspoken understanding that comes from doing hard things together, live and unscripted, day after day—that’s the heartbeat she misses.

“When you share that kind of space with someone for so many years, they become like family. And walking away from that—it leaves a space that’s hard to fill.”

Life in a New Chapter

Today, Hoda’s days may look different, but her purpose remains the same: connection. Whether it’s through her books, her podcast, or simply being present for her children, she’s continuing to tell stories—just in a quieter, more intimate way.

“I’ve learned that fulfillment doesn’t always come from being seen by millions. Sometimes, it comes from being fully seen by just one or two people—the people who matter most,” she reflects.

And yet, she doesn’t rule out a return. “Never say never,” she says thoughtfully. “I still have so much love for that world. But right now, I’m exactly where I need to be.”

Fans have noticed that even in her absence, her presence lingers. Online, messages of love and gratitude continue to pour in, thanking her for the inspiration she brought each morning and the grace with which she’s living this next chapter.

The Power of Stepping Back

Hoda Kotb’s story is a quiet, powerful reminder that stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away from purpose. Sometimes, it’s an act of profound strength and clarity. In a world that often glorifies hustle and visibility, Hoda has chosen depth, family, and stillness. And in doing so, she’s modeling something extraordinary.

“I’ve spent most of my life talking,” she says, laughing gently. “Now, I’m learning to listen more—especially to my own heart.”

So what does Hoda miss the most?

Not the headlines. Not the ratings. Not the early call times.

She misses the people—the connections forged over shared stories, inside jokes, and coffee-fueled mornings.

And in a world that moves faster than ever, maybe that’s what we all need to hear.