In a move that left millions of viewers reaching for tissues, beloved TODAY anchor Hoda Kotb announced her departure from the iconic morning show after nearly three decades at NBC. The 61-year-old journalist, whose warm smile and infectious energy have brightened American households since 1998, stepped away in early 2025 to prioritize what matters most: her two adopted daughters, Haley Joy, now 8, and Hope Catherine, 6.

Kotb’s journey with TODAY began humbly as a Dateline correspondent, evolving into a powerhouse co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie in 2018 – marking the first all-female lead duo in the show’s history. She co-hosted the lively fourth hour, first with Kathie Lee Gifford and later Jenna Bush Hager, turning it into a staple of laughter, celebrity chats, and heartfelt revelations. Over 17 years on TODAY, Kotb survived breast cancer in 2007, shared her adoption stories live on air, and became a beacon of resilience and joy. Her emotional interviews, from New Orleans roots to Olympic triumphs, endeared her to fans worldwide.

But turning 60 in August 2024 crystallized everything. “I realized that this mountain’s got a lot higher peaks,” Kotb shared tearfully on air in September 2024. Her broadcast career had been “beyond meaningful,” yet a new decade loomed, and her girls deserved “a bigger slice of my time pie.” Adopted later in life – Haley in 2017 at age 52, Hope in 2019 – Kotb had always juggled demanding 3 a.m. wake-ups with motherhood. The pandemic and Hope’s health challenges, including a 2023 ICU stay later tied to type 1 diabetes, amplified the pull toward home.

Post-exit, Kotb’s life transformed into suburban bliss. She relocated from Manhattan to a cozy house where the girls have their own rooms, complete with beanbag chairs and reading nooks. Mornings now mean school drop-offs, puppy walks with their new furry family member, and unstructured playtime. “I’m just going to let us be a family with a normal rhythm,” Kotb said in early 2025 interviews. No more rushing through bedtimes; instead, she sings “Rainbow Connection” nightly, just like Kermit the Frog did during her emotional farewell episode in January 2025.

Her last day was a “Hoda-bration” extravaganza: surprises from Oprah, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jimmy Fallon, and even Kathie Lee Gifford. Daughters Haley and Hope joined on set, hugging mommy amid tears and applause. Kotb remains with NBC for special projects, including long-form interviews and her podcast “Making Space.” She’s launched Joy 101, a wellness app inspired by her “let them” philosophy – encouraging parents to let kids explore, fail, and grow.

Kotb’s story resonates deeply in a world of burnout and workaholism. As an older mom who beat cancer and built an empire, her choice inspires: fame fades, but family endures. Fans flood social media with gratitude, celebrating a woman who chose hugs over headlines. In stepping back, Kotb hasn’t dimmed her light – she’s redirecting it home, proving that true fulfillment often means logging off the spotlight.