It was in September 2024 that Hoda Kotb, an NBC journalist since 1998, announced that she would step down as a co-host of TODAY after 17 years. While her last day is scheduled for January 10, 2025, her fellow co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, is already feeling the loss of her departure. On December 10, they made it clear on air, as the two shared some tears.
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Both described themselves as being at "the depression stage" of Kotb's departure, and Bush Hager said that she was paying extra attention to Kotb, like being an "anthropologist." "I'm in the phase of losing Hoda called studying," Bush Hager said, reported by PEOPLE. "I'm studying Hoda at this point, and I'd like to study your behaviors tonight and see how you've changed."
Visibly moved by Bush Hager's words, Kotb then told Bush Hager that she loved her. And, of course, that's when tears began flowing. Then, Bush Hager would compare the situation to the stages of grief. "Denial lasted a good month. Anger was last week when I tried to make you jealous with Gayle [King]," she said. "I've bargained with God basically every night for the last couple of months. And now, I've hit depression, where she says one thing and [I cry]."
This is not the first time that Kotb has gotten emotional following her departure announcement in September. Recently, on Thanksgiving, Cynthia Erivo gifted Kotb some flowers since that was "the last Thanksgiving parade" Kotb was doing. "I wanted to celebrate that and I wanted to say we love you," Erivo said. "Thank you for all of the hard work you've done all of these years."
Saying Goodbye
On September 26, Hoda Kotb announced she was leaving TODAY and "TODAY with Hoda and Jenna," and she even had an emotional conversation with Bush Hager at the time when, again, both of them cried as the news became public. At the time, she also shared a letter with all TODAY staff, elaborating on her departure and her decision to step down as co-host.
"As I write this, my heart is all over the map. I know I'm making the right decision, but it's a painful one. And you all are the reason why," she wrote. "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."
She went on to list her time at NBC News, Dateline, and, of course, TODAY. "Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I've been lucky enough to hold close to my heart," she concluded. "I'll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine."
