Hoda Kotb’s Departure from Today—A Heartfelt Goodbye and Shocking Reaction from Al Roker

After more than two decades with NBC, Hoda Kotb made the emotional decision to step away from Today to spend more time with her children. In her new memoir, Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life, Kotb opens up about the emotional journey leading to her departure, sharing behind-the-scenes moments with her colleagues, including a shocking reaction from Al Roker that left her stunned.

Kotb, who has been a beloved figure on Today for years, reflected on the difficult decision to leave the show after 26 years at NBC. But what may surprise many is how the news was received by one of her closest colleagues: Al Roker.

The Unexpected Reaction from Al Roker

As Kotb prepared to reveal her decision to her Today co-workers, she reached out to Al Roker, a long-time friend and co-host who had been by her side through countless moments. However, what she expected to be a heartfelt exchange turned into a surprising and emotional reaction.

In her memoir, Kotb recalls the moment when she called Roker to break the news. “No surprise, Roker did something funny when I told him my news. He said, ‘OK, bye,’ and hung up. He hung up on me!” Kotb writes, as reported by Us Weekly. “I thought, well, he sure got over that fast. But about five minutes later, he called back. ‘I was just so shocked,’ he explained, ‘and I couldn’t process what you were saying.’”

Kotb was clearly taken aback by the abrupt hang-up, which left her feeling a mix of emotions, from disbelief to confusion. Despite Roker’s quick recovery with a follow-up call to explain his shock, the initial reaction was far from what Kotb had anticipated from a co-host who had been her friend and confidant for years.

The Emotional Day Leading to Her Departure

Kotb describes the day she decided to share her decision to leave Today as a rollercoaster of emotions. It started like any typical day: waking up at 3:30 a.m., meditating, showering, and journaling. But beneath the routine, Kotb carried the weight of life-changing news, knowing she was about to share something monumental with her colleagues and her audience.

Her first stop was to her executive vice president, Libby Leist’s office, where Kotb had created a calming atmosphere by lighting candles and playing Both Sides Now by Emilia Jones. However, from the moment Leist walked in, she could tell something was up. “When Libby walked in, she took one look at me and said, ‘Oh no.’ And I just started talking,” Kotb recalled.

In that conversation, Kotb shared that after 26 years at NBC, she knew it was time for a change. She acknowledged the financial security she would have had by staying at NBC but emphasized the importance of being present for her children. “When you wait so long for children – like I did – you don’t want to miss your time with them,” Kotb explained, referencing her two adopted daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 6, who were the driving force behind her decision.

The Heartfelt Decision to Prioritize Family

Kotb’s decision was not made lightly. After 26 years at NBC, including 16 years on the Today desk, Kotb felt the need to shift her focus to her children. For Kotb, who had longed for children and experienced the joys of adoption later in life, spending more time with her daughters became her top priority.

Despite the challenges of walking away from a career that had brought her immense success, Kotb believed it was the right time to prioritize her family. “I knew I’d have more financial security if I stayed at NBC but that I had to think about my kids,” Kotb wrote in her memoir. It was a decision that reflected her deep commitment to motherhood, and one that would change the course of her career in an unforgettable way.

Al Roker: A Conflicted Reaction

While the decision to leave Today was ultimately Kotb’s, the way Roker processed the news highlighted the strong bond they shared, as well as the complexities of such a life-changing shift. As Kotb and Roker had shared many personal and professional milestones together over the years, it was understandable that Roker would be taken by surprise. After all, the two had worked together through thick and thin, from breaking news to lighthearted moments on the morning show.

Although the hang-up and Roker’s initial shock created a minor conflict between the two, the longtime friends managed to work through it. Roker later called back to explain himself and to express his own feelings of surprise and sadness. Kotb was able to understand Roker’s shock, knowing that their relationship had always been built on a deep, mutual respect. But despite the awkwardness of the moment, their bond was stronger than ever, and Roker would continue to offer his support as Kotb transitioned into a new chapter of her life.

Life After Today: Moving Forward with Family

Though leaving Today after so many years was emotional and difficult, Kotb remains optimistic about her future. Her memoir, Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life, reflects her ability to embrace change and move forward with a positive outlook. The book details her journey as a mother, as well as her experiences navigating the highs and lows of her career.

Kotb’s fans, who have followed her journey from her early days on Today, are already rallying around her decision. While they will miss seeing her on their TV screens every morning, many understand that her focus on her children is a choice that reflects the evolving nature of her life and priorities.

Al Roker Speaks Out on Hoda Kotb’s Departure

In the wake of Kotb’s decision, Al Roker has also spoken publicly about his mixed emotions. While he expressed his initial shock at the news, he also conveyed his full support for Kotb’s decision to prioritize her family. As a colleague and friend, Roker understood the depth of Kotb’s choice and acknowledged the difficulty of stepping away from a show that had defined so many years of her life.

“It’s not easy, but I support her 100 percent,” Roker shared in an interview following the announcement. “Hoda has been an incredible part of this team, and she deserves to do what’s best for her and her family. We’ve had a lot of fun over the years, and I’m going to miss her, but I’m excited for what she has ahead of her.”

A New Chapter for Today

As Kotb transitions out of Today, the morning show will undoubtedly face some changes. Her departure leaves a significant hole in the lineup, but NBC has already begun to look for fresh talent to take on the challenge of co-hosting the iconic show. For now, Kotb’s colleagues will continue to carry the torch, and fans will be left to wonder what the future holds for Today.

However, one thing is clear: Kotb’s time on Today will always be remembered as one of the highlights of the show’s rich history. As she moves forward with her family, fans can look forward to seeing more from Kotb in other areas of her life, including her memoir, which promises to offer more insight into her decision-making process and personal growth.

Conclusion: Hoda Kotb’s Legacy on Today

Hoda Kotb’s decision to leave Today and focus on her children marks the end of an era for the morning show. After more than two decades of entertaining and informing millions of viewers, Kotb’s departure is bittersweet, but it is a decision that many fans understand and support. Her journey of embracing change and finding joy in the next chapter of her life will continue to inspire others, just as her time on Today did for so many years.

As for Al Roker, while his initial reaction to Kotb’s departure may have been unexpected, it’s clear that their bond remains strong, and the two will continue to support each other in their respective journeys. The Today show will never be the same without Kotb, but as she embraces her new chapter, she leaves behind a lasting legacy of warmth, kindness, and authenticity.