Hoda Kotb’s ‘Today’ Departure ‘Bittersweet, to Say the Least’: ‘Leaving Isn’t Easy’ for the Host

Hoda Kotb is trying to stay positive and focused as her exit from Today draws near, but a source exclusively tells Closer she’s filled with bittersweet emotions and is more than a little nervous about what the future holds for her in 2025. 

The 60-year-old presenter announced her departure from the show in September, shocking many fans who have come to see Hoda as a staple of morning television. While she’s still set to keep her chair into the beginning of next year, what comes next for the Oklahoma native remains to be seen.

Hoda Kotb Leaving 'Today' Show: 'A New Decade of My Life Lies Ahead'

Regardless of what the future holds, the source notes the move “is a huge change for Hoda. It’s not a decision she made lightly, so she isn’t going back on it, but she’s certainly feeling every possible emotion right now.” 

“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you’ve been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure,” the journalist wrote in a statement. 

“Looking back, the math is nuts … Because I’ll be working through the beginning of 2025, there’s plenty of time to talk about what’s ahead for all of us. But one thing I know for sure right now is this: everything’s going to be just fine. The Peacock’s feathers are never ruffled … No matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its amazing people — all of you — never waver.” 

She concluded the emotional farewell with an eloquent sentiment: “You always weather change with grace and guts. Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.”

With Today behind her, the insider notes that, “She’s excited about the future – she’s going to have so much more time with her kids and she’s launched her new podcast, and with all the offers rolling in, she finally has the chance to work on her own terms.” 

Hoda began the “Making Space” podcast in September 2021 and hopes to continue her broadcast career in the podcast space, at least in part. The more freeform medium of podcasting will also take a load off the presenter.

“No more brutal early mornings or the relentless NYC pace that had been wearing her down toward the end,” the insider comments. 

Hoda Kotb 'Thought About' Jenna Bush Hager Before Deciding to Leave 'Today'

Still, for such a highly-regarded television veteran, “leaving isn’t easy.” 

“She’s going to miss her Today family, especially her close friends like Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie. Hoda has admitted it’s like leaving a family behind, and fans have made it clear how heartbroken they are to see her go.” 

“Of course, the Today team has assured her she’ll always be welcome back, but the thought of walking away from such a huge paycheck, and the people she’s shared so many memories with, is bittersweet, to say the least.”