In a poignant moment on live television, veteran 'Today' show co-host Hoda Kotb was moved to tears following kind words from actor Jason Segel about her impact on his career. This emotional exchange exemplified the depth of connection and impact Kotb has fostered over her broadcasting career.
Hoda Kotb announced her departure from the 'Today' show set for early 2025, planning to prioritize her young family, Mail Online reported.
Hoda Kotb has become a familiar face on NBC's 'Today' show, particularly during the 10 am hour, where she has charmed viewers with her warmth and sincerity for 17 years. Her tenure at NBC spans a notable 25 years, making her one of the most esteemed personalities in morning television. Kotb's decision to step down comes with a heartfelt intention to dedicate more time to her two daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
Adopting both of her children has profoundly shaped Kotb’s priorities and her recent decision. Haley Joy, now 7, and Hope Catherine, aged 4, have brought a new perspective on how they wish to spend their 60s. A recent health scare with her younger daughter Hope in February 2023 amplified her resolve to be more present at home.
The shift from Manhattan's bustling Upper West Side to the more serene Westchester reflects Kotb's desire for a change in pace. The new home, complete with a yard and a swing set, symbolizes her commitment to a family-centered lifestyle. This relocation supports her goal to engage more actively in her daughters' daily lives.
Jason Segel's heartfelt comments during a recent interview served as a potent reminder of Kotb's professional influence. “I’m gonna miss you when you’re gone. I just want you to know, these interviews have been some of the best of my whole career, so I’m grateful to know you," Segel remarked, visibly affecting Kotb.
Kotb's daily routine as a co-host begins at an arduous 3:30 AM, a schedule that has seen her energy wane by the day’s end at 9 PM. The hopes for a less hectic schedule seem closer than ever with her impending departure from the 'Today' show.
During the conversation, Kotb expressed the constant balancing act required to excel both at home and at work. “There's this guilt you carry because you can't be 100% at work and 100% at home," she shared. Her reflections reveal a deep-seated desire for excellence that is difficult to sustain on both fronts without compromise.
Looking forward, Kotb envisions a decade filled primarily with moments with her daughters. “I knew I wanted this decade to be different," she explained, hoping to carve out a life that steeply tilts towards family time. She continued, "I looked at my time like a pie... And I wanted it to be filled with more of them."
As Kotb plans for this next phase, her excitement for new beginnings and adventures underscores her optimism. Known for her sunny disposition, she remarked, “I’m a sunrise person and not a sunset person," suggesting her anticipation for fresh challenges and fulfilling experiences ahead.
In discussing her daughter Hope’s recent challenges, Kotb highlighted the improvement in her condition since moving to Westchester. “We’re in a place where Hope is thriving. She is improving,” she noted, attributing some of this success to the excellent care and the support system they have in place around them.
As Kotb prepares to close a long chapter at NBC, she leaves behind a legacy of impactful journalism and heartfelt storytelling. People will remember her contributions to the 'Today' show long after her departure, just as her interviews have left an indelible mark on those like Segel.
As Hoda Kotb embraces this upcoming shift toward her personal life, her audience and colleagues will undoubtedly watch with supportive eyes, mirroring the warmth she has extended so generously throughout her broadcasting career.
