Image Credits - US Weekly
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Hoda Kotb’s decision to leave the Today show came as a shock to fans, but she’s been contemplating this change for quite some time. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on October 7, Kotb opened up about her journey and the moment she realized it was time to move on.
Kotb, 60, shared that the turning point came around her birthday in August. She described a beautiful party at the Today show where she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. “I looked out at the sea of all the people who came and beautiful signs… and I knew in my heart, like, ‘This is it, man,’” she recounted. This realization marked a significant moment in her life, as she felt it was the pinnacle of her career.
Kotb explained that she is currently in a “repotting” stage of her life, a metaphor for growth and transformation. She described the experience of pulling oneself up by the roots and feeling somewhat uncertain, but knowing that one will eventually land in fertile ground. She announced her departure from the Today show on September 26, after five years as co-anchor and nearly three decades at NBC. Citing her daughters, Haley and Hope, as part of her motivation, she concluded that it was time for her to turn the page at 60.
Looking ahead
As she prepares for this new chapter, Kotb joked about adjusting to life without her early morning routine. “This is going to be totally weird,” she said, reflecting on her years of waking up at 3:15 a.m. for the show. Fans are eager to see what’s next for the beloved anchor as she embraces the future.