During her announcement about leaving the Today show after almost 20 years, Hoda Kotb wore a significant piece of jewelry: a necklace with an “M” charm symbolizing her role as a mother. Hoda Kotb is prepared for the next chapter of her life. On September 26, she disclosed her departure from the Today show, where she has been a staple for nearly two decades. Alongside this announcement, she donned a deeply sentimental “M” necklace, reflecting her identity as a mom. Hoda has also mentioned that other charms hold special meanings, particularly those honoring her daughters Haley Joy, 7, and Hope Catherine, 5. She shared in a 2022 episode of Today, “I have ‘Haley’ and ‘Hope’ on one of them. Then I have an ‘I love you Mama’ on this one. All of them represent my girls.” However, the “M” necklace holds an especially dear significance for Hoda, as she explained to cohost Jenna Bush Hager, “The ‘M’ is so me. It’s the initial I would choose if not my kids’ initials. Because who would have thought I could wear that initial?”
Hoda’s role as a mother significantly influenced her choice to leave Today. “I had my children later in life,” the 60-year-old explained during her September 26 announcement, “and I believe they deserve a larger portion of my time.” She added, “Our time is finite, and this was a tough decision, but I feel it’s necessary.” Hoda also noted that turning 60 seemed like an opportune moment for a change, which she realized during her birthday celebrations. “I stood outside, admiring all the wonderful people and their beautiful signs,” Hoda recounted. “I felt like this was my peak moment and thought it couldn’t get better, so it was time to move on.”
Although she won’t officially depart until early next year, some colleagues, like Today meteorologist Dylan Dreyer, are already contemplating potential replacements. “It wouldn’t be surprising if someone from our core group stepped in,” Dylan told E! News at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards on September 26. “We’ve all taken turns filling in, and if it’s one of us, it wouldn’t surprise anyone.” Dylan highlighted that the core group—including Jenna, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, Carson Daly, and Weekend Today co-anchors Peter Alexander and Laura Jarrett—are like a family, and any of them would excel alongside co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
For now, Hoda remains a prominent figure on weekday mornings. For more of Hoda and her family’s moments over the years, keep reading. (Both E! and Today are part of the NBCUniversal family.) Hoda was emotional as her daughters, Haley and Hope, surprised her with an early Mother’s Day gift. Joining her siblings Hala and Adel, nieces Hannah and Ella, mom Sami, daughters Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, and fiancé Joel Schiffman, Hoda described her birthday celebration as “my kind of birthday.”
Hoda enjoys outings with her daughters around New York City and cherishes Halloween traditions, often dressing in themed costumes with her children. She spends time with her own mother and daughters, capturing precious family photos. Hoda shared moments at the beach, celebrated birthdays, and marked significant occasions like adopting her second daughter, Hope, on the Today show. She frequently posts about her family joyfully on social media, expressing gratitude for these precious moments.