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When Is Hoda Kotb’s Last Day on ‘Today’ Show? Inside Her Departure Date and the ‘HODA-Bration’ Plans
Hoda Kotb shocked fans on September 26, 2024, when she announced that she would officially be leaving Today. The TV host had tears in her eyes during the emotional episode. NBC has officially announced when Hoda’s last day on the program will be and what fans can expect from her final episodes.
Why Is Hoda Kotb Leaving ‘Today’?
Hoda revealed that her reason for leaving Today is so she can focus on motherhood. The You Are My Happy author shares daughters Haley Joy and Hope Catherine with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman.
“I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on,” she said of her reason behind her decision to leave the show. “And then I thought about it — obviously I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time.”
The family of three recently moved into a new home in the suburbs and they’re looking forward to making more memories together in their new place. They previously lived in a New York City apartment.
“They’re so excited to have their own space, a reading chair — they’re excited about a reading chair. They’re excited about having a bean bag and their bed,” Hoda said of her kiddos, who now have their own rooms.
On the December 18, 2024, episode of her “Making Space” podcast, the journalist opened up about what she’s most looking forward to after leaving the morning show. “All I want to do is walk my kids to school,” she said. “And it’s the simplest thing, with a cup of coffee, walking your kids to school. But all the little things, you get to see growth.”
Who Is Replacing Hoda Kotb on ‘Today’?
In November 2024, it was revealed that Craig Melvin would be replacing Hoda during the early morning hours of Today as Savannah Guthrie’s coanchor.
“You are literally made for this job,” Hoda told Craig of his promotion. “You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”
Craig was thrilled to be given the opportunity by NBC. He has been a favorite on the network since 2011.
“I am beyond excited and grateful,” he told his colleagues of his new role. “I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
The network also announced that Jenna Bush Hager would cohost Today With Jenna & Friends in the show’s fourth hour with a rotating panel of guests until she finds a permanent cohost to replace Hoda.
Several names have been thrown into the mix as to who could possibly take Hoda’s place in the show’s fourth hour.
“Everyone from Sheinelle Jones, who’s already a cohost on the show’s earlier hours, to E’s Justin Sylvester and actress and comedian Heather McMahan have come up,” an insider told Closer in November 2024. “It may be someone nobody expects, which could be good and shake things up.”
“Fortunately, Jenna will have some input in that choice, but the big bosses will make the final decision,” the insider added. “At this point, it’s still anyone’s guess.”
When Is Hoda Kotb’s Final ‘Today’ Episode?
It was revealed that Hoda’s final Today episode will be on Friday, January 10, 2025. Craig will then take over for Hoda on January 13, 2025.
“We love you enough to let you go shine, run after your dreams and go find this next chapter,” Savannah told Hoda as she prepares for her next adventure. “We frankly can’t wait to see what you do, but we’ll just be here waiting for you.”
The Today show will be “celebrating [Hoda] the whole week before” she leaves, Jenna revealed on December 18, 2024. She also announced that Hoda’s final Hoda & Jenna show will end with a “HODA-bration” and feature a live audience at Studio 8G in Rockefeller Plaza.
“There will be big surprises,” Jenna teased. “Lots of surprises that Hoda won’t even know about.” The Today show’s official Instagram shared the news and added, “The show will include big stars and lots of surprises that you won’t want to miss.”
Guests who attend the celebration can anticipate being at the studio for “approximately three hours” from check-in to exit. The taping itself is expected to last one hour.
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