5 Shocking Revelations And The Real Reason Behind Hoda Kotb's Last Day On The 'Today' Show
The news that beloved co-anchor Hoda Kotb would be stepping away from the anchor desk of NBC's Today show sent shockwaves through the television world and left millions of viewers heartbroken. After 17 years as a staple of morning television, and a remarkable 26-year tenure with NBC News, Kotb’s departure marks the end of an era. The details surrounding her final sign-off, which took place on a highly emotional Friday, January 10, 2025, reveal a deeply personal decision centered on family and a surprising new chapter that keeps her connected to the network.
This comprehensive deep dive, updated with details from her farewell week in early 2025, cuts through the rumors to reveal the definitive timeline, the official reason for her exit, her major new contract with NBC, and the name of the journalist stepping into her iconic role alongside Jenna Bush Hager.
Hoda Kotb: Full Biographical Profile and Career Milestones
Hoda Kotb is an Egyptian-American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author whose career has spanned decades, culminating in her role as one of the most recognizable and highest-paid figures in morning news. Her journey is defined by resilience, warmth, and a powerful connection with her audience, particularly after her public battle with breast cancer.
- Full Name: Hoda Kotb
- Date of Birth: August 9, 1964
- Age (as of late 2024): 60
- Place of Birth: Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
- Descent: Egyptian (Both parents are from Egypt)
- Education: Virginia Tech (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism)
- Early Career: Worked at local news affiliates in Mississippi, Illinois, and Florida before joining CBS News and then NBC.
- NBC News Start: 1998 (as a correspondent for Dateline NBC)
- Today Show Debut: 2007 (as co-host of the fourth hour, *Today with Hoda & Jenna*)
- Co-Anchor Role: January 2018 (Officially replaced Matt Lauer as co-anchor of the main Today show alongside Savannah Guthrie)
- Family: Adoptive mother of two daughters, Haley Joy Kotb (adopted 2017) and Hope Catherine Kotb (adopted 2019).
- Notable Achievements: Peabody Award, multiple Emmy Awards, and a Gracie Award.
The Emotional Countdown: Why January 10, 2025, Was Hoda's Final Day
The announcement of Hoda Kotb's departure came as a genuine surprise to both viewers and her colleagues. She made the tearful reveal on the air in September 2024, explaining that the decision was driven by a deep desire to prioritize her personal life and young family.
A New Chapter Focused on Family
The primary and most heartfelt reason for her exit was her two adopted daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. Kotb, who became a mother later in life, spoke candidly about wanting to be more present for their formative years. The rigorous, early-morning schedule of a national morning show co-anchor is notoriously demanding, requiring 3 AM wake-up calls and an intense daily commitment that often conflicts with family time.
In her emotional on-air announcement, Kotb stated that she realized it was "time for a new chapter" and that she needed to "step back and breathe" to focus on the things that matter most. This intention-based exit, driven by a desire for work-life balance, resonated deeply with her audience, many of whom are working mothers who connected with her journey to motherhood.
The "Hoda-bration" Farewell Week
NBC News dedicated the entire week leading up to January 10, 2025, as a "Hoda-bration," featuring tributes, celebrity guest appearances, and highlight reels of her most memorable moments. Her final segment was particularly poignant, with co-hosts Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, and others sharing tearful goodbyes and praising her infectious optimism and compassion.
In a final, touching moment, her daughters, Haley and Hope, appeared on-screen (and later accompanied her off-set), underscoring the very reason she was stepping away. This highly personal and emotional farewell solidified her legacy as one of the most beloved figures in the show's history.
Hoda's Surprising New NBC Deal and Who Is Stepping In
While Hoda Kotb has stepped down from her daily co-anchor duties, she is not leaving the NBC family entirely. Her new contract ensures her presence on the network for years to come, securing her ongoing topical authority and connection with viewers. This was a crucial detail that distinguishes her exit from a full retirement.
The Exclusive New Role
Kotb signed a major new deal with NBC News that allows her to transition into a less demanding, yet still high-profile, role. Under this new agreement, she will:
- Contribute Exclusive Interviews: She will conduct major, high-profile celebrity and newsmaker interviews for NBC News programming.
- Cover the Olympics: She is contracted to cover the next two Olympic Games, a role she has excelled at in the past.
- Develop New Projects: She will focus on new, long-form content and projects that align with her passion for human interest stories, wellness, and inspiration.
This strategic move allows her to maintain her professional impact and high salary while drastically reducing her daily commitment, giving her the flexibility she craves to be with her children.
The Official Replacement for the Fourth Hour
One of the biggest questions following her announcement was who would replace her alongside Jenna Bush Hager on the popular fourth hour of the Today show, *Today with Hoda & Jenna*. After much speculation and a period of rotating co-hosts, the network officially announced the new permanent anchor.
Sheinelle Jones, a long-time member of the Today family and a co-anchor of the third hour, was named Hoda Kotb's permanent successor. Jones officially began her new role on Monday, January 13, 2025, just two days after Kotb’s final sign-off. The choice of Jones, a respected and vibrant journalist, was seen by many as a natural and popular transition, ensuring the chemistry of the show's 10 AM slot remains strong.
The Enduring Legacy of Hoda Kotb
Hoda Kotb's legacy extends far beyond her ratings and longevity. She pioneered a new style of morning television, one that blended hard news with genuine, often tearful, emotional vulnerability. Her partnership with Kathie Lee Gifford, and later with Jenna Bush Hager, created a unique, wine-fueled, and deeply personal hour that redefined the genre. Her openness about her cancer journey, her adoption process, and her personal struggles made her relatable, transforming her from a news anchor into a trusted friend to millions of viewers. Her final day, January 10, 2025, was not just a farewell; it was a celebration of a career built on authenticity, kindness, and the courage to choose family over the demands of a relentless spotlight.
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