After 26 Years at NBC, 60‑Year‑Old Hoda Kotb Stuns Morning Television by Turning Down Her Anchor Chair—Choosing Family, Wellness, and Unfinished ‘Time Pie’ Over Fame, Fortune and a Legacy Co‑Hosting One of America’s Most Watched Programs in a Tearful Exit That Shook the Studio and the Nation.

On the morning of September 26, 2024, Today viewers were caught completely off guard. In the midst of the show’s usual brightness and cheer, longtime anchor Hoda Kotb delivered an emotional surprise. With her signature warmth, she announced that she would step down from the show in early 2025.

Reading a heartfelt letter live on-air, Kotb revealed that she was ending her 26-year journey with NBC—including 16 years co-hosting the 10 a.m. hour and seven on the earlier slot. Her reason? She wanted more time for the people who mattered most: her two young daughters and her mother.

A Milestone That Sparked a Wake-Up Call

It all began with a milestone birthday. As she turned 60 on the Today Plaza, surrounded by cheers, homemade signs, and pure love, Kotb said she felt like she was at the “top of the wave.” That feeling of emotional clarity made her realize something crucial: her “time pie” was divided too heavily toward work, and her family was getting the smallest slice.

The Hardest Choice She’s Ever Made

On January 10, 2025, during her final broadcast, Kotb looked back with teary regret on missing life’s simple, sacred moments—like her daughter’s first school performance. The relentless demands of the show had taken their toll.

More significantly, her youngest daughter, Hope—just 6 years old—had recently been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The condition required constant care, daily insulin shots, and middle-of-the-night blood sugar checks. For Kotb, being present was no longer optional—it was essential.

Farewells, Hugs, and Tearful Tributes

Her colleagues couldn’t hold back tears. One longtime co-host, visibly emotional, said, “We love you so much. These tears—you see them—they’re love.” Jenna Bush Hager, another close friend on the show, even reached out to her father, former President George W. Bush, for advice on the moment.

Kathie Lee Gifford, her beloved former fourth-hour partner, called the moment “bittersweet,” praising Kotb’s kindness and unshakable optimism. A touching career montage—featuring everything from serious reporting to hilarious morning antics—left everyone in the studio moved. Choking back tears, Kotb said: “It’s time for me to leave the show… but everything’s going to be just fine.”

Why Hoda Kotb Walked Away

1. Family First
After beating breast cancer, Kotb adopted two daughters. When her youngest was diagnosed with diabetes, priorities shifted. She knew her daughters needed her more than ever.

2. A Birthday Wake-Up Call
Turning 60 made her reflect. The height of career success meant little if she wasn’t present for the moments that matter at home. Her takeaway: “I want to fill my time pie with more of them.”

3. Burnout and Rebalancing
Instead of 4 a.m. makeup calls, she began savoring school drop-offs, family breakfasts, and everyday rituals. It re-energized her in ways no studio ever could.

4. Salary Questions?
Rumors suggested NBC hesitated to renew her $20 million-per-year contract. Though not the main reason for her departure, it may have nudged both sides toward a timely, graceful exit.

A New Chapter: Health and Heart

Stepping away from the camera doesn’t mean fading away. Kotb is launching a wellness brand called Joy 101, offering a mobile app, guided retreats, newsletters, and a podcast. She plans to help women find calm, sleep, joy, and balance—with or without big budgets. “You don’t need a lot of money to take care of yourself,” she said. “You just need someone to show you how.”

A Smooth Transition: Craig Melvin Steps In

NBC has chosen Craig Melvin to take over Kotb’s role, beginning January 13, 2025. The network aims to preserve the chemistry and spirit Kotb built with Savannah Guthrie, hoping Craig and Savannah continue that legacy of authenticity and joy.

A Cultural Shift Beyond Morning TV

Kotb’s decision marks more than a staffing change—it’s a cultural moment. Her time-pie metaphor reflects what many feel in today’s burnout age: that success is no longer defined by work alone. Being present for the people we love is the truest version of success.

A Farewell, Not a Goodbye

As Kotb closed her final broadcast, she promised she wasn’t disappearing. NBC will continue to feature her in select roles, and her wellness projects are just beginning. Her story, grounded in love and courage, reminds us that legacy isn’t about ratings—it’s about presence.