Hoda Kotb announces she is leaving the TODAY Show

Hoda Kotb has announced that she will leave TODAY early next year but will remain part of the NBC family.

In tears, she told TODAY on Sept. 26 how celebrating her 60th birthday in August made her decide to make a change.

“At 60, I realized it was time for me to turn over a new leaf and try something new,” she said. “I remember standing outside and looking at this wonderful group of people with these amazing signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the crest of the wave feels like to me.’ And I thought, it can’t get any better than this, and I decided this is the right time for me to move on.”

Hoda also sent a letter to TODAY staff on Sept. 26 announcing her decision to step down as co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie after more than five years.

“As I write this, my heart is wavering,” she wrote. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And all of you are the reason for that. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I feel that so much right now. I love you And it’s time for me to leave the show.”

In tears, she also spoke on Thursday on TODAY about her 60th birthday party in August

Hoda has been a fixture at NBC News for nearly three decades, having previously worked on “Dateline” and co-anchored the fourth hour of TODAY with Kathie Lee Gifford and then Jenna Bush Hager.

“My time at NBC was the longest professional love affair of my life,” she wrote. “But only because you were by my side on that 26-year adventure. Looking back, the math is crazy. 26 years at NBC News – ten years at Dateline, seven at seven, sixteen at ten.”

“I picture your faces and your families and all the ways you have lifted me up and inspired me,” she continued. “It makes my heart sing. Many of my professional relationships have become my most treasured friendships.”

Hoda also reflected on her connection to the members of the TODAY family.

“Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my life’s work. Al: my oldest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders,” she said. “I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY terribly.”

Hoda spoke openly about how she came to her decision.

“I have been considering this decision for quite some time – Am I really ready?” She wrote. “But my 60th birthday party on the Plaza felt like a turning point. Like a huge, joyful Yes, you are! It was all so clear to me: my broadcasting career was beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life was ahead of me, and now my daughters and my mother need and deserve a bigger piece of my time pie. I will miss you all terribly, but I am ready and excited.

“As I will be working until the beginning of 2025, I still have plenty of time to talk about what lies ahead for all of us. But one thing I know for sure: everything will be fine. The peacock’s feathers are never disheveled… no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and the wonderful people – all of you – are never fooled. You always weather change with grace and courage.”

Even though Hoda is leaving TODAY, she said she will not leave NBC.

“I’m happy and grateful to continue to be part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I’ve ever had,” she wrote. “I’ll be there. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of me.”

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.