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Hoda Kotb has been a beloved face on NBC’s Today show for over seven years, captivating audiences with her humor, quick wit, and engaging interviews. Her departure in late 2024 left fans shocked and curious about why a journalist at the peak of her career would step away from such a high-profile role.
Why Hoda Kotb Left the Today Show
In a candid interview as a guest on Today, Hoda opened up about the deeply personal reason behind her decision: her youngest daughter, six-year-old Hope, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes earlier that year. Hoda explained that children with this condition require constant monitoring and care, and she wanted to be fully present for her daughter.
She shared, “As anyone with a child who has Type 1, especially a little kid, you’re constantly watching, you’re constantly monitoring, you’re constantly checking, which is what I did all the time when I was at Today. You’re distracted. I can be here and sweating what’s happening to Hope in the morning and in the night, or I can be there and feel relief that I can see.”
Kotb also revealed that continuing her NBC schedule, which required waking up at 3:15 a.m. for live television, conflicted with her ability to care for Hope. Torn between career obligations and her daughters’ well-being, she made the difficult decision to step down.
Life After Today
In 2024, Hoda purchased a spacious mansion in upstate Bronxville for $2.9 million and moved there with her daughters, Hope and eight-year-old Haley. She described the transition as life-changing, noting that she now wakes up at 4:30 a.m., an hour later than her previous schedule. “That extra hour is life-changing,” she told the Wall Street Journal.
Her mornings are now filled with meditation, journaling, workouts, and time with her children—activities she couldn’t prioritize while working on live television. The hectic studio lights and red carpets have been replaced with bike rides, tennis matches, and school drop-offs.
Additionally, Hoda launched Joy 101, a wellness brand focused on fostering a grounded, balanced lifestyle. She credits her daughters and the slower pace of life as the driving inspiration behind her wellness journey. Even her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman, remains a supportive figure in her life.
Hoda Kotb’s decision underscores the importance of family and self-care, showing that stepping back from a high-profile career can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.