Why Did Hoda Step Away From Hoda And Jenna?

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30 Jul, 2025

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For fans of morning television, the news about Hoda Kotb making plans to leave the 'Today' show in early 2025 has certainly sparked a lot of conversations. People are, quite naturally, very curious about what led to this big decision. It’s a moment that, you know, really caught many by surprise, especially after so many years of her being a familiar and comforting presence on our screens.

There's been a lot of talk, a lot of whispers, and plenty of questions about what's next for Hoda. Many viewers are wondering, too it's almost, what truly lies behind her unexpected exit. She has, in a way, officially moved on from her daily television role, riding off into what many are calling her next chapter, which is kind of exciting to think about.

This article aims to get to the heart of the matter, exploring the various elements that played a part in Hoda's choice to depart. We'll look at her own words, and we'll also consider how her co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, processed this significant change. So, let's just get into the details and shed some light on this major moment in television news.

Hoda Kotb: A Brief Look
The Big Announcement and the Timeline
The True Reasons Behind Hoda's Departure
Jenna Bush Hager's Reaction and Preparation
Looking Ahead: Hoda's Next Chapter
People Also Ask About Hoda's Exit

Hoda Kotb: A Brief Look

Before we get into the specifics of her departure, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate Hoda Kotb's remarkable career. She has, you know, been a staple of morning television for a very long time, bringing her unique warmth and genuine curiosity to millions of homes every single day. Her presence on the 'Today' show has been, in a way, a constant for many viewers over the years, making her recent announcement even more impactful.

Hoda has a way of connecting with people, and that's something that really shines through in her work. She's known for her ability to share heartfelt stories and for her incredibly infectious laugh, which, you know, often brightens up the morning for so many. Her journey in broadcasting is quite extensive, actually, and she has, like, truly built a strong connection with her audience.

She's not just a television personality; she's also an author and a mother, roles that, as we'll see, played a pretty significant part in her recent decision. Her life outside of the studio is something she has, you know, often shared with her audience, creating a deeper bond. Here's a quick look at some personal details about her.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Hoda Kotb

Category	Detail
Full Name	Hoda Kotb
Known For	Co-anchor of NBC's Today Show, Host of Today with Hoda & Jenna
Years on Today Show	17 years (as of announcement)
Departure Date	Early 2025
Reason for Exit (Primary)	To spend more time with daughters; focus on next chapter
Age at "Turning the Page"	60 (as mentioned on air)

The Big Announcement and the Timeline

The news that Hoda Kotb would be stepping away from the 'Today' show first came to light with her announcement, which, you know, certainly got everyone talking. It wasn't just a quiet decision; it was something she shared with her audience and colleagues, creating a moment of reflection for many. She had been with the program for a considerable amount of time, making her departure a really significant event in the world of morning television.

Hoda made her plans public, stating she would be leaving in early 2025. This timeline gives everyone, including her co-workers and the viewers, a bit of time to, you know, process the change. It's not an immediate exit, which allows for a smoother transition, and it also means fans still have some time to enjoy her presence on the show before she moves on to her next adventure, so that's something to keep in mind.

The announcement itself came on September 26, where Hoda shared on air that she would be leaving 'Today' early next year. She had, in a way, been thinking about this for a while, and the timing felt right to her. This sort of public declaration really sets the stage for her final months on the program, and it also lets everyone know what to expect as she prepares for this new phase of her life.

The True Reasons Behind Hoda's Departure

When Hoda Kotb first shared her decision to leave the 'Today' show, she made it clear that there were, you know, several important reasons behind her surprising exit. It wasn't just one single thing, but rather a combination of factors that led her to this significant life choice. She really wanted to be open about her motivations, which is, you know, very much in line with her genuine personality.

One of the main things she mentioned, and this is pretty big, is her desire to spend more time with her daughters. In an interview with People magazine on March 11, Hoda revealed that dedicating more moments to her children, especially Haley, was a key factor. For many parents, that's, like, a very understandable reason to make a big career change, and it really shows where her priorities lie at this point in her life.

She also spoke about reaching a certain age and feeling a strong pull towards something new. Hoda explained, "I realized it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new." This statement, which she also shared on air, suggests a personal desire for growth and fresh experiences as she reaches this milestone age. It's almost like she felt a calling to explore different paths, which, you know, can happen to anyone at various points in their life.

Sources close to the NBC program told People that Hoda's decision was a complete surprise to most of the people working there. This indicates that while Hoda had her reasons, they weren't necessarily widely known or anticipated within the team. It really highlights the personal nature of her choice, and how, you know, it came from a place of deep reflection rather than external pressures. Her colleagues were, apparently, caught off guard by the news.

Hoda herself used a phrase that really sums up her feelings: "I think I'm doing this, like,..." She also said, "They say two things can be right at the same time, and I'm feeling that so deeply right now, I love you and it's time for me to leave the show." These words, spoken with emotion, show that while she loves her work and her colleagues, she also felt a very strong sense that it was time to move on. It's a bittersweet feeling, you know, when you have to say goodbye to something you care about, but also feel ready for what's next.

The idea of a "next chapter" is something Hoda has mentioned repeatedly. After 17 years on the 'Today' show, she's looking to, you know, embark on new endeavors and experiences. This could mean anything from more time with family to pursuing other creative projects or personal passions. It's clear that she's thinking about what truly fulfills her at this stage of her life, and that's, you know, a very personal journey.

Jenna Bush Hager's Reaction and Preparation

Hoda Kotb's departure from the 'Today' show isn't just news because of Hoda herself; Jenna Bush Hager's reaction to it has also been, you know, quite a topic of conversation. As Hoda's co-host on 'Today with Hoda & Jenna,' their bond is something viewers have really come to appreciate, so it's natural that people would be curious about how Jenna is handling this big change. It's a significant shift for her too, you know, as they've shared so many moments together on screen.

Jenna, in a very personal way, explained how Hoda quietly prepared her for her shocking 'Today' show exit. She talked about this during an appearance on the 'How She Does It with Karen Finerman' podcast. This suggests that Hoda, being the thoughtful person she is, had been, like, gently easing Jenna into the idea, rather than just dropping the news out of the blue. It's a testament to their friendship, really, that Hoda took the time to do that.

Jenna Bush Hager also shared how she found out Hoda Kotb would be leaving the NBC daytime series in January 2025. This means Jenna knew about it well before the public announcement, giving her some time to process the news privately. It's, you know, a bit of a shock when a close colleague makes such a big decision, so having that heads-up would have been incredibly helpful for her. She's had time to take it all in, which is, you know, pretty important for such a close working relationship.

On a Thursday morning, an emotional Hoda Kotb discussed her shocking departure from the 'Today' show with Jenna Bush Hager. This on-air conversation would have been, you know, a very raw and honest moment for both of them, allowing them to share their feelings directly with their audience. It's during these moments that their genuine connection really shines through, and viewers can see the depth of their friendship.

The two also discussed Hoda's departure on the September 9 episode of 'Today with Hoda & Jenna.' This shows that it wasn't just a one-time conversation but something they talked about openly, allowing their audience to be part of their journey. Jenna's ability to, you know, process Hoda's decision and share her feelings about it has resonated with many viewers, making her reaction a story in itself. It's almost like she's guiding the audience through her own experience of this big change.

Jenna's feelings are, apparently, a mix of emotions, which is very relatable. She quoted, "They say two things can be right at the same time, and I'm feeling that so deeply right now, I love you and it's time for me to leave the show." This line, shared by Hoda, really captures the essence of the situation, and Jenna's agreement with that sentiment shows her understanding and support for Hoda's personal choice. It's, you know, a very human way to react to a friend moving on.

Looking Ahead: Hoda's Next Chapter

As Hoda Kotb prepares to leave the 'Today' show in early 2025, the focus naturally shifts to what her "next chapter" will involve. She has, you know, spent 17 years as a beloved figure on the morning news program, and now she's ready to turn the page and explore new possibilities. This phase of her life is, in a way, about rediscovering what truly calls to her beyond the demanding schedule of daily television.

Her primary stated reason for leaving is to spend more time with her daughters, Haley and, presumably, her other child. This is, like, a very common and understandable desire for many working parents, especially those with demanding careers. The chance to be more present in their children's lives is, you know, a precious opportunity that many cherish. It's a choice that reflects her deep commitment to her family, and that's something many people can really connect with.

Hoda's statement about turning the page at 60 and trying something new suggests a personal desire for growth and fresh experiences. This could mean, you know, anything from pursuing different creative projects, perhaps more writing, or even just enjoying a more relaxed pace of life. It's a chance for her to, you know, redefine her routine and allocate her time differently, which is, you know, a pretty exciting prospect for anyone at that stage of life.

While the specifics of her "next chapter" aren't fully detailed, it's clear that it will be focused on personal fulfillment and family. Hoda has always been, you know, very open about her life and her journey, so it's likely that fans will get glimpses into what she's doing next. For now, we can only, you know, anticipate the new adventures that await her as she steps away from her long-standing role on the 'Today' show. You can learn more about Hoda Kotb's career on our site, and also find out more about the history of the Today Show.

Her departure, while emotional for many, also represents a very personal decision to prioritize what matters most to her at this point. It's a reminder that even public figures make choices based on their own needs and desires, just like anyone else. So, as she rides off into the sunset, we wish her the very best in her next, you know, very exciting phase of life.